Zimbabwe is set to host Ireland for a multi-format tour in February, comprising seven matches. The tour will start with a one-off Test from February 6 to 10 in Bulawayo, followed by a series of white-ball games in Harare. Ireland and Zimbabwe will face off in three ODIs on February 14, 16, and 18, and three T20Is on February 22, 23, and 25. This tour was initially scheduled in the ICC menโs Future Tours Programme (FTP) as two Tests and six white-ball games, but the format was adjusted.
Currently, Zimbabwe is in the final stage of their home series against Afghanistan, where they have faced defeats in both the T20I and ODI series, with a draw in the first Test. The second Test will conclude on January 6.
Givemore Makoni, Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, expressed excitement about hosting back-to-back full tours, emphasizing the importance of regular international cricket for the countryโs growth and development.
For Ireland, this series marks the opportunity for new players to showcase their skills. Morgan Topping has earned his first call-up to the Test and ODI squads, and legspinner Gavin Hoey, who debuted against South Africa, is in line to make his Test debut. Barry McCarthy and Gareth Delany return from injury to bolster the squads, while Craig Young misses the T20I squad.
The series will be a competitive one, with both teams having a history of engaging matches. Ireland last played Zimbabwe in a Test in July 2024, where they won by four wickets. Zimbabwe had hosted Ireland in late 2023 for six white-ball games, which saw Zimbabwe lose both the T20Is and ODIs.
Ireland’s squad for the tour includes key players like Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, and Josh Little, alongside young talents like Topping and Hoey. The Irish squad is focused on building up for upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 cycle leading into multiple World Cups.
Ireland Squads:
Test Squad:
Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Peter Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
ODI Squad:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
T20I Squad:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.
