Pakistan set for Ireland return

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Pakistan will follow their recently arranged two-match one-day international series in Scotland with matches against Ireland on May 23 and 26.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s men will spend a week in Ireland prior to the Champions Trophy, which begins in England on June 6. The venue(s) for the matches have yet to be decided.

Pakistan played a similar series on Irish soil in 2011, winning both games. However, they were famously defeated by Ireland in the 2007 World Cup.

“We’re grateful to both ICC (International Cricket Council) and the Pakistan Cricket Board for making the series possible,” said Ireland coach Phil Simmons.

Ed Joyce falls to Saeed Ajmal in the last one-day international series between Ireland and Pakistan, who will face off in two ODIs in May

“It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket. Pakistan are a formidable one-day side and it’s a great way of measuring where we are as a team.

“We’ve had some great tussles in the past and, for many, Irish cricket was born the day we beat them in the 2007 World Cup. That win grabbed the attention of the world and we haven’t looked back since.”

Pakistan head coach Dav Whatmore added: “We are eagerly awaiting our matches against the Irish team. Irish cricket has been improving consistently and we will be looking forward to some competitive games ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

“The fixtures are a continuation of the PCB's support to all associate member nations, and we are delighted to be returning once again to Ireland.”