It’s not been long since Ireland earned the respectable status of a Test playing nation and quite obviously it was a phenomenal achievement for the sport in the country. The incident took place on 23rd June 2017, when the country was approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was granted official permission to play the longest format of the game along with Afghanistan.
However, there is some big news coming from the country, and it is bound to be another push to the players. Ireland will play its first official Test match in 2018 from May 11th to May 15th. The Ireland team will wear the white jersey for the first time and will face Pakistan in their first ever Test campaign. The news was confirmed by Ireland Cricket’s official Twitter handle where it also confirmed the venue to be the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin.
The tweet also confirmed that the tickets would go on sale from the 22nd of November from 10 am at ticketmaster.ie.
Th tweet read “Confirmation this morning that @MalahideCC will host Ireland’s inaugural test match next year, from May 11th – 15th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from 10 am on http://www.ticketmaster.ie”
Tickets go on sale for Ireland's #FirstTest against @TheRealPCB in May 2018 TOMORROW at 10am from @TicketmasterIre ?1⃣ #BackingGreen
Tickets are €30 for adults on Friday, Saturday & Sunday and go down to €10 for Monday. Tuesday also €10 will be walk ups only! pic.twitter.com/QL12qGsJEa
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) November 21, 2017
Though they got their Test approval very late, Ireland has been in the One Day International format since 2005. They gained the status in 2005 when they finished runners-up in the ICC tournament they hosted. The result also paved the way for their first Worl Cup appearance where they managed to beat Pakistan. There was no looking back for the team from there as they qualified for several more World Cups where they hunted teams like England and the West Indies.
“We are delighted that Malahide has agreed to host this historic game against Pakistan,” said Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
“Even in its short history of hosting our matches, the club has already given us some wonderful memories, and we trust that May 11th and its ensuing days will provide many more.” “We would like to thank the club’s members for their continuing hospitality.” he added.
“Malahide Cricket Club is delighted to host the Inaugural Test Match in Ireland. We are looking forward to welcoming both teams to The Village.” said Malahide Chairman Ciaran Keohane.
“This is a great showcase not only for Irish cricket, but for Malahide and the wider Fingal area.” said Keohane.