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[Saba Sports News] Cricket Ireland has officially confirmed the postponement of their inaugural men’s bilateral series against Australia due to financial constraints. The scheduled series, comprising three ODIs and one T20I, was originally planned for late August.
In March, Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland’s performance director, had hinted at the potential cancellation of the series. Now, Warren Deutrom, the board’s chief executive, has confirmed its postponement, describing it as a challenging but necessary decision for the organization’s future.
Deutrom explained that the primary issue stems from the limited number of pitches available in Ireland. With no permanent home stadium, hosting an international cricket series would incur significant expenses, particularly at venues like Malahide Cricket Ground.
Furthermore, Deutrom highlighted the importance of broadcast rights, noting that Australia’s matches would be among the most lucrative. He emphasized the urgency of constructing a permanent stadium, with plans already underway for one at the new Sport Ireland campus in Abbotstown, Dublin’s suburbs.
Despite the disappointment of postponement, Deutrom stressed the need to prioritize financial sustainability and long-term investments for Cricket Ireland’s future.