After the historic announcement by the ICC stating that Ireland is all set to play its first Test, it is anticipated that Afghanistan is also all set to play its inaugural Test soon.
The match is expected to be on Zimbabwean soil against the Ireland in December. The Test will be preceded by a three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, an official said on Sunday.
The three ODIs will be played on Dec 5, 7 and 10 and the discussions regarding the Test dates are currently ongoing, and an outcome is expected as soon as possible.
“We are hosting a three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Ireland in December and there are also discussions on Afghanistan playing their inaugural Test at our ground after the ODI series,” Mazhar Khan, the general manager Sharjah Cricket Stadium said.
Ireland and Afghanistan attained Test status earlier this year. Their inclusion has now extended the Test playing nation’s cluster to 12. Both the sides have the most improved cricketing sides in Associates section of the ICC.
“We are ready to host Afghanistan’s first Test and for that dates will be finalized soon,” said Mazhar.
Irish Dream Also Comes True
Earlier, it was confirmed that Ireland Cricket Board and Pakistan Cricket Board have decided to play a one-off Test next year in April. The decision was finalised during the ICC Meeting in Auckland organised on October 12 with Dublin set to play the Dublin.
“We are excited to welcome Pakistan to Ireland for our inaugural Test match next year,” said Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
“It has been our wish to make our Test debut in front of our own fans within 12 months of becoming a Test nation, and against a big team – so I’m delighted.”
“There is a lot of work to do from now to ensure that it will be an occasion to remember but we, and I’m sure our players and fans, can’t wait to rise to it,” Deutrom added.
“We would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board most sincerely for agreeing to be our first opponent in Test cricket – the Pakistan team has been a regular visitor to our shores in recent years, and their agreement to be our opponent on this important occasion for Irish cricket is further evidence of their terrific support.”
The fixture, however, may be of only four days – a new concept which is currently in trial mode.
South Africa will be the first to try this shorter format late this year when they face Zimbabwe in a Boxing Day Test match. It is hoped that the new format will help cricket regain the waning interest.