Ireland’s first Test match will be on home soil against Pakistan in May, following an agreement between the two sides reached during the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Auckland this week.
Afghanistan and Ireland became full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in June, taking the number of countries who play the five-day format of the game from 10 to 12.
Ireland has since been looking for suitable opponents for an historic first match. Pakistan are currently seventh in the Test rankings but were top of the pile as recently as last year.
“We are excited to welcome Pakistan to Ireland for our inaugural Test match next year,” said Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
Irish captain William Porterfield welcomed confirmation of the match, saying: “It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket. It’s going to be a bit special and it’s always great to be a part of history.
Cricket has been played in Ireland for nearly 200 years but it was not until 1969 that they made the rest of the world game take true notice when they bowled out the West Indies for just 25 at Sion Mills in a televised match.
Ireland have since established themselves during the course of several World Cups, recording one-day international wins over Pakistan, the West Indies and England.
The dates and venue are yet to be announced but it is believed that the match will be played in Dublin by May.
