Ireland and Scotland postpone New Zealand and Pakistan fixtures

Scotland have called off their ODI and T20I matches against New Zealand which were due to take place in June

Ireland and Scotland have both announced postponements to their summer cricket schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotland have called off their ODI and T20I fixtures against New Zealand which were due to take place at Edinburgh in June.

Cricket Scotland’s chief executive Gus Mackay said: “We are obviously disappointed that New Zealand’s European tour has been postponed, however, it was to be expected under the current circumstances.  

“We will work closely with New Zealand Cricket and look at opportunities in the future when they are next touring Europe.” 

New Zealand Cricket chief executive, David White added: “These are extremely difficult times for international cricket and we feel deeply for our friends in the northern hemisphere, whose season has been so badly disrupted. 

“I know our players, support staff and Blackcaps fans were very much looking forward to the upcoming visit and are disappointed this decision needed to be taken. 

“Hopefully, in brighter and less dangerous times, we can return and play the games that have been postponed.”

Meanwhile Ireland have postponed their own New Zealand series as well as the visit of Pakistan.

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Warren Deutrom, chief executive of Cricket Ireland, said: “It had become fairly obvious following the recent series of Government announcements in the Republic and UK that the New Zealand series was not feasible.

"We had also said previously that the fate of some fixtures could be dependent upon decisions by the travelling team’s government. That is what has happened in this instance – we were taking the recommendation to yesterday’s Board Meeting to postpone the series in any case, however, on the eve of the meeting New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contacted us to inform us that they could not travel.

"While of course it’s disappointing for the fans in Northern Ireland who I know were looking forward to the visit of the World Cup runners-up, given the circumstances we entirely understand NZC was left with no choice but to stay at home.” 

In regards to the cancellation of both the New Zealand and Pakistan series, Deutrom said he is regretful that fans will be starved of international cricket this summer.

“We deeply regret that we can’t provide any international cricket at home to our fans this year,” he said. “But we were always up against it with our entire home international programme coming in the first half of the season. We want to extend once again our sincere thanks to all those that worked so hard to facilitate what would have been 15 matches across 7 venues over 3 months in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England.

“A huge amount of planning goes into the schedule from staff, groundsmen, fellow ICC members and venues to commercial partners, local authorities and our match allocation group – our heartfelt thanks go out to all of them for their great support, their passion and their dedication.”

Talks are ongoing in regards to Ireland’s three-match ODI series scheduled for September in England.

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