Irish confirm Pakistan ODI dates

Ireland will play two one-day internationals at home to Pakistan in May, Cricket Ireland said Monday. Pakistan will use the matches at yet to be specified venues on May 23 and May 26 as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy starting on June 6. \"It\'s fantastic news for Irish cricket, and we\'re grateful to both ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board for making the series possible,\" said Ireland coach Phil Simmons. \"Pakistan are a formidable one-day side and it\'s a great way of measuring where we are as a team. We\'ve had some wonderful tussles with them in the past, and for many, Irish cricket was born the day we beat them in the 2007 World Cup. That win grabbed the attention of the world and we haven\'t looked back since.\" British media quoted Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore as saying: \"We are eagerly awaiting our matches against the Irish team. \"Irish cricket has been improving consistently and we will be looking forward to some competitive games ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.\" From : AFP