Zimbabwe have reportedly withdrawn from the ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and Ireland, which was scheduled to take place in Pakistan in January 2027.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Zimbabwe have cited commercial reasons for their decision. The two sides are now understood to be working on an alternative window for the series.
With Zimbabwe pulling out, Ireland are still expected to travel to Pakistan, but the tour will now be reduced to a bilateral white-ball series against the hosts.
A one-off Test between Pakistan and Ireland was also being discussed as part of the tour. However, that match now appears unlikely to go ahead.
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“The PCB and Cricket Ireland are currently working through a revised schedule for the tour, and details will be made available shortly,” a Cricket Ireland spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.
Pakistan Looking To Play More ODIs
The change comes at a time when Pakistan are looking to play more 50-over cricket ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The ICC has also backed a renewed push for tri-series and four-team competitions, with multiple teams playing each other before a final. The idea is aimed at giving greater context to ODI cricket outside major tournaments.
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Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka and England in an ODI tri-series next month. The PCB is also working on a five-match ODI series against Bangladesh, while another five-match series in England has already been confirmed for next summer.
With the World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027, teams are keen to get more ODI cricket under their belt.
PCB In Talks With Shaun Tait, Martin Guptill
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly in talks with former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait and former New Zealand batter Martin Guptill for consultancy roles with the national men’s team.
According to Geo News, the PCB is looking to strengthen its coaching staff after the departures of Ashley Noffke and Shane McDermott.
Noffke is expected to leave after Pakistan’s Asian Games 2026 campaign, while McDermott has already stepped down from his role.
Tait has previously worked with Pakistan as their bowling coach between 2022 and 2023. He is now being considered for a consultancy position rather than a full-time coaching role.
The former Australia pacer recently stepped down as Bangladesh’s bowling coach in June, citing family commitments.
Guptill, meanwhile, is being considered for a fielding consultant role. Reports suggest that talks are progressing well and that there is a strong possibility of the former New Zealand opener joining the Pakistan setup.
The PCB had earlier advertised both the bowling and fielding coaching positions as it began looking for replacements.
Ireland’s World Cup Preparations
For Ireland, the revised Pakistan tour could prove useful ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualification process.
Ireland are scheduled to play the World Cup qualifiers in February as they look to secure a place in the tournament later in the year.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November.
The ODIs against Pakistan will therefore give Ireland valuable 50-over cricket as they prepare for the qualification battle and potentially the World Cup itself.
