Afghanistan-Ireland Test shifts venue due to local School Championship

In an unprecedented turn of events, the location for the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Ireland in the UAE was changed from a renowned international stadium to a local ground to accommodate a school competition. The decision came just hours before the scheduled commencement of the Test on Wednesday morning. Originally slated for the esteemed Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, known for hosting international encounters, the venue was abruptly shifted to the neighbouring Tolerance Oval. 

This move arose due to the Abu Dhabi Schools Sports Championship, as confirmed by the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub. While the Zayed Cricket Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators, the new venue accommodates 12,000. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), constrained by political circumstances in their homeland, has previously hosted matches in Dehradun, India. This last-minute alteration has raised many eyebrows, where an international fixture has been overlooked due to a school match.

"It was not our original plan but having been selected by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge as the host facility for the prestigious Abu Dhabi schools sports championship taking place on 1-3 March 2024, we quickly sought the support of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) - the home nation for the series - towards this exciting late change," Matt Boucher, CEO of the Abu Dhabi cricket and sports hub, said, as quoted by The Irish Times.

"The support from ACB management has been unwavering. I would like to also thank everyone at Cricket Ireland and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) for their flexibility towards the venue," he added.

Afghanistan, Ireland tussle to make statement

The series consists of a solitary Test match followed by three ODIs and three T20Is, all scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates. Recently, Afghanistan faced Sri Lanka in a multi-format series, beginning with a Test match where they suffered a comprehensive ten-wicket loss. Meanwhile, Ireland's latest international venture was against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe last December. The series witnessed closely fought battles, with Ireland clinching victories in both the ODI and T20I contests.