Harare, September 30, 2026: The tri-nation ODI series between hosts Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland, scheduled to be held next year, is likely to be scrapped after Zimbabwe’s participation fell through due to commercial reasons, international media reported on Wednesday.
According to Cricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket’s inability to travel to Pakistan has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) to explore an alternative window.
The report said the series could instead be reduced to a bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and Ireland. A one-off Test between Pakistan and Ireland was also under consideration, although the possibility of the Test has now receded.
“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.
The proposed tri-series was part of Pakistan’s preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan are also scheduled to host an ODI tri-series next month featuring Sri Lanka and England. The PCB is additionally working on arrangements for a five-match bilateral series against Bangladesh, while a five-match assignment in England next summer has already been confirmed.
Ireland, meanwhile, are scheduled to compete in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in February next year as they seek to secure qualification for the World Cup.
The Pakistan series would have provided Ireland with an opportunity to prepare for the qualifying tournament. The schedule for the World Cup Qualifiers is expected to be announced on October 1.
