Ireland to play six ODI matches vs Pakistan next year [Source: AFP]In the latest development, the Ireland Cricket Team is reportedly set to play six ODI matches in Pakistan next year. According to reports by Geo Super, PCB and Cricket Ireland are already in discussions for a bilateral series in 2027, with Ireland playing three matches against Pakistan Shaheens and three against the senior team.The three matches against the Pakistan senior team will gain international status, while the remaining three will be treated as practice games, allowing the Pakistan Shaheens to get exposure against an international team.Ireland to tour Pakistan after Zimbabwe pulled out of tri-seriesThe development comes after Zimbabwe pulled out of the ODI tri-series against Pakistan, which also featured Ireland. A Cricinfo report added that Zimbabwe refused to tour Pakistan for commercial reasons; hence, the tour has now been turned into a bilateral series between the hosts and Ireland.Also, there is a possibility that a one-off Test could be scheduled between Pakistan and Ireland, and talks are already underway for the same. However, finding a window for the Test match could be an issue.Also Read: Mohsin Naqvi's Pakistan Cricket Board Bans All Players From Playing This Tournament"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 told Cricinfo.Notably, the tri-series featuring Zimbabwe and Ireland was Pakistan's chance to play a handful of ODIs in the buildup to the World Cup.Pakistan ODIs: solid preparation for Ireland for the 2027 World Cup qualifiersIreland will play three ODIs against the senior Pakistan side, and the matches will provide them with a perfect opportunity to prepare themselves for the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifiers in February next year.Pakistan is one of the top international ODI teams, and playing them would help the European Nation get the much-needed practice before their quest to reach the World Cup 2027 begins with the Qualifiers.Interestingly, this would be Ireland’s first cricketing tour of Pakistan. Their Women’s team has played cricket matches in Pakistan, but the Men’s team has never.By playing against an ICC full-member nation, Ireland will get loads of confidence, and that would help the team get better equipped for the all-important World Cup qualifiers, which could decide Ireland's fate.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Indian Athlete To Feature In TIME 100 Next
