Cricket Ireland has confirmed a two match one day international series against Pakistan to take place in May.
This is in addition to the RSA Challenge against England in September and  a four day game against Australia A in advance of the Ashes against England. Such activity in 2013 represents a major step up in terms of the profile of the sport both at home and on the international stage.
The two games will take place on Thursday May 23 and Sunday May 26, and are likely to be split between Stormont and either Clontarf or Malahide.
Pakistan last played in Ireland in 2011 when Paul Sterling announced his arrival in the top flight with a century.  The two sides met in a famous encounter at the 2007 Cricket World Cup when Ireland stunned the cricket world on St Patrick’s Day with victory following an inspired ‘knock’ by Niall O’Brien.
Pakistan will be based in Ireland for the whole week, using the series to acclimatize ahead of the Champions Trophy which is being held in England starting on June 6.
It would be a great opportunity for junior cricket if a number of teams can get to see such world class players close up and possibly even for limited coaching sessions.
In December Cricket Ireland secured funding of €1 million from International Cricket through the Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme.  Access to this money gives greater financial security in arranging top international fixtures, particularly with the risk of bad weather that affected last summer’s matches against Australia.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons was delighted at securing high profile opposition, saying: “It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket, and we’re grateful to both ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board for making the series possible. The extra funding we’ve secured through TAPP ensures we’re able to organise additonal matches against Full Members.
“Pakistan are a formidable one-day side,” said Ireland Coach Phil Simms.   “These games will be a great way of measuring where we are as a team. We’ve had some wonderful tussles with them 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.”
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