ECB expresses discontent over Cricket Ireland hosting Afghanistan ODI series
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 1:48 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
The England and Wales Cricket Board is reportedly unhappy with Cricket Ireland's decision to host a five-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which begins on August 7 in Bready. This disagreement arises from differing views on the Taliban's treatment of women, as England refuses to play Afghanistan bilaterally. Cricket Ireland aims to strengthen ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, despite potential future implications for fixtures with England. The series will be held in Northern Ireland, with Ireland also scheduled to tour the UAE next March for further matches.
- •ECB refuses bilateral matches against Afghanistan due to Taliban policies
- •Ireland has opted for a full ODI series, enhancing ties with Afghanistan
- •Series begins on August 7 in Bready, Northern Ireland
- •Future fixtures with England could be impacted by this decision
- •Ireland has acknowledged the moral discomfort surrounding their choice
- 1:48 PMYahoo Sports — Report: ECB unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan ODI series despite UK government-backed Taliban policy
"While Irish fans are joyful for finally getting a five-game ODI series with Afghanistan's tour of Ireland, the move might get the ire of the ECB despite the UK backing the Taliban back in Asia.
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