Ireland’s home summer gets a major boost in August with a five-match ODI contest against Afghanistan, and while interest around ETPL and Europe’s growing cricket scene continues to rise, this bilateral series is one of the biggest dates in the Irish cricket calendar. The Sigenergy Ireland v Afghanistan Men’s ODI Series 2026 brings together two familiar rivals for a run of matches in Bready and Stormont, offering fans in Ireland plenty of top-level 50-over action.
Afghanistan return to Ireland for the first time in four years, with the series scheduled for 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 August 2026. The opening two ODIs will be played at Bready in Derry/Londonderry, before the teams move to Stormont in Belfast for the final three games. All matches are set to start at 10.45am.
Ireland v Afghanistan 2026 fixtures and venues
For readers tracking major cricket in Ireland alongside ETPL news, this series is a useful marker of the international season and another sign of how strong the sport’s footprint has become across the island.
- 5 August 2026: Ireland Men vs Afghanistan Men – ODI, Bready
- 7 August 2026: Ireland Men vs Afghanistan Men – ODI, Bready
- 10 August 2026: Ireland Men vs Afghanistan Men – ODI, Stormont
- 12 August 2026: Ireland Men vs Afghanistan Men – ODI, Stormont
- 15 August 2026: Ireland Men vs Afghanistan Men – ODI, Stormont
The venues are both well known to supporters of international cricket in Ireland. Bready hosts the first phase of the series, while Stormont stages the closing matches in Belfast.
Key team news ahead of the ODI series
Paul Stirling returns to captain Ireland
Ireland welcome back Paul Stirling from injury, with the experienced opener leading a squad that mixes established names with fresh opportunities. The batting core looks relatively settled, but injuries and return-to-play management have affected seam-bowling resources.
That has created opportunities for new faces. Jai Moondra, who impressed in the recent T20I series against India, earns his first ODI call-up. Pace bowler Byron McDonough is also in line for a senior debut, while left-handed middle-order batter Ben Calitz has a chance to push for a place in the final XI.
This will also be the first series for Gary Wilson in charge after Heinrich Malan’s departure, making it an important early test for the new management setup.
Afghanistan arrive with ODI pedigree
Afghanistan may have lost their three ODIs in India earlier in 2026, but they remain a dangerous white-ball side. Ranked above Ireland in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, they also hold the stronger recent head-to-head record in this format, having won the last five ODIs between the sides.
With players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan in the squad, Afghanistan carry quality through both batting and bowling departments.
Full squads for Ireland and Afghanistan
Ireland Men squad
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker.
Afghanistan Men squad
Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Nangyal Kharoti, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
How to watch Ireland vs Afghanistan in 2026
Fans in Ireland and the UK can watch every match via YouTube streaming. International broadcast access varies by region:
- Cricbuzz: North America, South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa
- Fancode: India
- Tapmad: Pakistan
- Ariana Television: Afghanistan
Supporters wanting live updates, score tracking and official match information can also follow coverage through Cricket Ireland’s channels.
Why this series matters for Irish cricket fans
This is more than a routine bilateral assignment. Ireland have not played an ODI in 2026 before this series, so the five matches offer a valuable reset in the format. They also provide a chance to assess squad depth, especially with new players entering the frame and a coaching transition underway.
For supporters following everything from international fixtures to ETPL latest updates, the Ireland-Afghanistan series adds another high-interest chapter to a busy period for cricket in Ireland. With competitive history, fresh selection stories and accessible streaming, it should attract strong attention across Belfast, Bready and beyond.
Conclusion
The Ireland vs Afghanistan ODI Series 2026 has all the ingredients of a compelling contest: a proven rivalry, five matches in key Irish venues, returning stars and new faces looking to make their mark. While fans keep one eye on ETPL and the broader European cricket calendar, this August series is essential viewing for anyone following top-level cricket in Ireland.
