Zimbabwe will host Ireland on a seven-match all-format tour in February, the board announced on Friday. The tour will begin with a one-off test match from February 6-10 in Bulawayo, before the white-ball match in Harare. The teams will play three ODIs on February 14, 16 and 18 and as many T20Is on February 22, 23 and 25. Originally, this series was scheduled for two Tests along with six white-ball games in the ICC Men’s Future Tours Program (FTP).
Zimbabwe cricket CEO Givemore Makoni stressed the importance of organizing back-to-back full tours.
“We are delighted to welcome Ireland on what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour,” he said. “Organizing two full tours in quick succession is a testament to our commitment to providing our players with regular international cricket and our efforts to grow the game in Zimbabwe.”
Topping earns first Test call-up for Ireland
Andrew White, national men’s coach, said: “After a break since the series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, it will be great to see us back in action in a few weeks’ time. Since 2007, there have been some wonderful competitions against Zimbabwe and this shouldn’t be be different, and it’s exciting to have all three formats on this tour.
“Morgan Topping earns his first international call-up at senior level after recovering from an injury that prevented him from making his debut against South Africa last year. He has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level in recent Wolves and Academy matches and we wish him the best.
“It’s going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair back in action alongside the experienced players and of course we have the return of Josh Little who made a big impact last time we were in Zimbabwe. .
“We also have Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy returning from injury, while Craig Young misses out in the T20 format on this occasion.
“It promises to be a busy cycle ahead – 2026 to 2028 will see three white-ball World Cups, however we have 2025 free of ICC events to build towards this key period.”
Ireland Test Team: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Peter Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Ireland ODI Team: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young
Ireland T20I Team: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White
*This article was updated as Ireland named their teams.
