Ireland’s Afghanistan Cricket Series Puts It at Odds With England
Ireland’s five-match men’s ODI series against Afghanistan begins in Northern Ireland on August 5, diverging from England’s refusal to arrange bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
In short
- Ireland’s five-match men’s ODI series against Afghanistan begins in Northern Ireland on August 5, diverging from England’s refusal to arrange bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Ireland is set to begin a five-match men’s one-day international series against Afghanistan in Northern Ireland on August 5, a scheduling decision that places Cricket Ireland at odds with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s approach to the Afghan team.
The opening match is scheduled for Bready. Under a reciprocal arrangement, Ireland is also due to tour Afghanistan in March 2027 for one Test, three ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals.
England does not schedule bilateral matches against Afghanistan, citing the Taliban authorities’ exclusion of women and girls from sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson has described the policy as “gender apartheid.” England has continued to face Afghanistan in International Cricket Council tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, while declining to arrange standalone series.
The Guardian reported that the ECB is unhappy with Ireland’s decision and that the series could affect future fixtures between the neighboring boards. England has no further men’s matches against Ireland currently listed after sending a second-string side for three T20 internationals in Ireland in September 2025. England’s women are scheduled to host Ireland for three ODIs in September 2026.
Afghanistan is the only full ICC member without a women’s cricket program. Australia, South Africa and New Zealand also decline bilateral fixtures against Afghanistan, while several other full members continue to schedule them. The ICC has not suspended Afghanistan.
