Afghanistan vs Ireland 2023/24

The rivalry between Afghanistan and Ireland is a bilateral contest rather than a formal league. Both nations hold Full Membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a status granted to each on June 22, 2017. This elevation places them alongside traditional Test-playing nations.

Matches are classified as bilateral series sanctioned by the ICC. They cover Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats. There is no permanent trophy or standing league structure unique to this pairing. Fixtures are arranged ad hoc and often played at neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates or India due to logistical constraints. Ireland has hosted Afghanistan in Ireland on occasion, including an event scheduled for July 2026.

The first official international encounter between the two teams was a T20I final of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2009/10, played on February 13, 2010, at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin, which Afghanistan won. Their first ODI meeting occurred on March 21, 2009, during the ICC World Cup Qualifier in South Africa, a match Afghanistan won by 30 runs.

As of early 2024, Afghanistan leads the head-to-head records in ODIs and T20Is. In Test cricket, the teams have played twice. Afghanistan won the first in 2019, and Ireland won the second in February 2024, securing Ireland's first-ever Test victory. The series often serves as preparation for major ICC events, such as the 2024 T20 World Cup. It impacts ICC ODI rankings, which determine qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup via a weighted average system over a rolling 36-48 month period. Unlike domestic leagues, there is no promotion or relegation; status is determined by ICC membership and ranking points.