Zimbabwe will host Ireland for an all-format cricket tour in February, comprising seven matches, the cricket board announced on Friday. The tour kicks off with a one-off Test from February 6 to 10 in Bulawayo, followed by three ODIs on February 14, 16, and 18, and concludes with three T20Is on February 22, 23, and 25 in Harare. Originally, the ICC’s Future Tours Programme had scheduled two Tests alongside six white-ball games for this series.
Zimbabwe are wrapping up a home series against Afghanistan, where they lost both the T20I and ODI series but managed a draw in the rain-affected first Test. The series concludes on January 6 with the ongoing second Test.
Givemore Makoni, Zimbabwe Cricket’s managing director, highlighted the importance of hosting consecutive full tours, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Ireland for what promises to be an exciting and competitive series. Hosting back-to-back tours underscores our commitment to providing players with regular international cricket and growing the game in Zimbabwe.”
The two teams have faced off in only one Test match before, played in Belfast in July 2024, where Ireland secured a four-wicket win. Zimbabwe last hosted Ireland in late 2023 for six white-ball games, losing the T20I series 2-1 and the ODI series 2-0.
Ireland’s Squad Highlights
Ireland’s squads for the series include notable updates. Morgan Topping, a top-order batter from Northern Knights, has earned his first call-up to the Test and ODI squads. Leg-spinner Gavin Hoey, who debuted against South Africa in October, retains his spot in the ODI squad and is also in line for a Test debut.
Fast bowlers Barry McCarthy and Gareth Delany return from injuries, with McCarthy included in all formats and Delany named in the T20I squad. Josh Little, a key performer during Ireland's last tour of Zimbabwe, also makes a comeback.
Andrew White, Ireland’s national men’s selector, expressed excitement about the tour, saying, “Since 2007, we’ve had some thrilling contests against Zimbabwe, and this series should be no different. It’s great to have all three formats on the schedule.” He also noted Topping’s strong recovery from injury and praised the return of experienced players alongside promising talents.
White added, “This is a busy period for us, building towards three white-ball World Cups from 2026 to 2028. With no ICC events in 2025, we have a vital opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Ireland Squads
Test Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), 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 (capt), 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 (capt), 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.
Updated on 4th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.