ZIM vs IRE 2022: Zimbabwe is hosting Ireland for a three-match T20I and ODI series that is all set to kickstart on 12th January. And what comes as sad news for Ireland is that their Veteran players Paul Stirling & Joshua Little will miss the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Stirling and Little have confirmed their unavailability to the Ireland Cricket Board as the two are going to participate in the inaugural edition of the SA20 League in South Africa and the inaugural edition of ILT20 in Dubai.
The insignificant stint by Stirling and Little is clearly portraying the deepening impact of franchise cricket on international bilateral series. With all countries hosting their own T-20 league, it is difficult for the cricketers to accommodate their schedules. Though franchise cricket attracts a lot of money, national duty should always be prioritized by capped team members.
Franchise cricket is also hampering the normal course of ICC’s Futures Tour Programme with all the full members booking their windows for franchise cricket. Franchise cricket entitles massive crowd gatherings through overseas cricketers and this also further impacts the player’s ability to play for the nation.
Stirling & Little would feature in Zimbabwe ODI Series
Paul Stirling and Joshua Little have been the most astonishing and stunning performers for Ireland. They will miss the T-20I series but have ensured their participation in the ODI series as they will miss a few games for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 league.
Ireland has geared up their preparations for the approaching international events as they have a packed schedule in 2023. They will travel to Sri Lanka, host Bangladesh, and play a crucial ODI series against England. They will also play the European T-20 World Cup qualifiers and also have the chance to play at the ICC World Cup 2023.
Andrew Balbirnie has been announced as the skipper of Ireland for both the T-20I as well as the ODI series against Zimbabwe. Veteran cricketers including Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, and George Dockrell are also a part of the side.
ZIM vs IRE 2022: Complete Squads
T20I squad:
Andy Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Ben White, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker
ODI squad:
Andy Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Harry Tector, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker
ZIM vs IRE T20I Schedule
1st T20I – January 12
2nd T20I – January 14
3rd T20I – January 15
ZIM vs IRE 2022 ODI Schedule
1st ODI – January 18
2nd ODI – January 20
3rd ODI – January 23
