ISLAMABAD, Jan 21: Cricket Ireland on Monday confirmed that a two-match one-day international series with Pakistan will take place in May this year.

Pakistan will base themselves in Ireland for a week, using the two fixtures as their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy which starts on June 6.

The games will take place on May 23 and May 26, with the venues still to be finalised.

“It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket, and we’re grateful to both ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board for making the series possible,” UK daily Belfast Telegraph quoted Ireland coach Phil Simmons, as saying.

“Pakistan are a formidable one-day side and it’s a great way of measuring where we are as a team.

“We’ve had some wonderful tussles with them in the past, and for many, Irish cricket was born the day we beat them in the 2007 World Cup. That win grabbed the attention of the world and we haven’t looked back since.”

Pakistan are equally pleased with the announcement of the series, with coach Dav Whatmore saying: “We are eagerly awaiting our matches against the Irish team.

“Irish cricket has been improving consistently and we will be looking forward to some competitive games ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.”—APP