New Zealand ties at Stormont next to face the chop

NEW Zealand’s visit to Ireland is set to be the next casualty of the pandemic after ICC yesterday cancelled all international tournaments until the end of June.

Last year’s World Cup finalists were due to play three one-day internationals in Stormont, immediately after three Twenty20 internationals in Bready but, with the first game scheduled for June 19, it seems only a matter of time before that tour is called off.

Also yesterday, following a video meeting between Cricket Ireland officials and the managers of the provincial unions, all cricket activity has been suspended until at least May 28 — the same date as the ECB announced last week — again with the likelihood of that date being extended.

An agreed release from each of the four major unions, including the NCU and North West, said: “The postponement of the start of the season will allow us to observe government directives and public health protocols and ensure the welfare and safety of our volunteers, players, staff, coaches and families within the cricket community, and we will take all necessary actions to do our part in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.”

Scenarios for various start dates to the local season are continually being updated but the big worry is for the Ireland squad, especially if the T20 World Cup goes ahead as scheduled in October.

If the three T20 games against New Zealand are cancelled, it would leave Ireland only two T20 matches, against Pakistan, before the tournament and as they are due to take place in Dublin on July 12 and 14, they are in doubt.

Ireland have already lost seven T20 games, three against Zimbabwe next month and four against Bangladesh in England in May.