Begorrah! Ireland to take on Pakistanis

– Ireland will play their first ever Test match against Pakistan on home soil in May, the country’s cricket chiefs announced yesterday.

Afghanistan and Ireland became full members of the International Cricket Council in June, taking the number of countries who play the five-day format of the game from 10 to 12.

Since then Cricket Ireland has been looking for the right opponent for the historic first match.

“We are excited to welcome Pakistan to Ireland for our inaugural Test match next year,” said Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom.

“It has been our wish to make our Test debut in front of our own fans within 12 months of becoming a Test nation, and against a big team, so I’m delighted.”

Pakistan are currently seventh in the Test rankings, but were top of the pile as recently as last year. –

Dublin