Pakistan’s ODI Tri-Series With Zimbabwe and Ireland Likely to Be Scrapped

Pakistan's scheduled tri-series cricket tournament, featuring Zimbabwe and Ireland, is facing the possibility of cancellation following Zimbabwe's inability to travel to the country for the event. According to Cricinfo, commercial reasons have led to Zimbabwe's withdrawal from the Pakistan-hosted series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) are now exploring an alternative schedule.

The tri-series might instead be converted into a bilateral series between Pakistan and Ireland. Earlier, there had been consideration for a single one-off Test match, but that possibility has now diminished. "The PCB and Cricket Ireland are currently working through a revised schedule for the tour, and details will be made available shortly," a Cricket Ireland spokesperson informed Cricinfo.

The tri-series was part of Pakistan's preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia next year. Pakistan has also planned a home ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England the following month. Additionally, the PCB is working on arranging a five-match bilateral series against Bangladesh, while a five-match series in England next summer has already been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Ireland is set to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in February next year, aiming to secure a spot in the tournament. The qualifiers' schedule is expected to be announced on October 1, and a series against Pakistan would further aid Ireland's preparation for the event.