Dublin, The Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to begin its tour of Europe with a historic first T20I series against Ireland on Friday. This initial match marks the beginning of a three-game series held at Castle Avenue, with subsequent games scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday. Following this series, Pakistan will face England in a four-match T20I series before both teams participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s tour is part of their final preparations for the T20 World Cup, where they aim to refine their strategies and team dynamics. Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s head coach, highlighted the importance of adapting to different teams and conditions, noting that Ireland, though less familiar as an opponent, poses a significant challenge in the fast-paced T20 format.
The series is also notable for the absence of fast bowler Mohammad Amir from the first game due to visa delays, though he is expected to join the team subsequently. The squads for both teams include prominent players, with Ireland led by captain Paul Stirling and Pakistan by Babar Azam.
This T20I series is not only a precursor to the World Cup but also sets the stage for the teams’ meeting in the group stages of the tournament, where they are joined by India, USA, and Canada in their group.