Pakistan and Ireland fixtures confirmed

With Pakistan agreeing to play Scotland in 2 ODI's before the Champions Trophy, it was uncertain whether these games were in addition to or in place of the games against Ireland. Turns out it is the former, which is great news for associate cricket. The ground has not been confirmed yet, but the matches will be played on the 23rd and 26th of May. This means that Pakistan will play 4 ODI's against associates in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. This really is a double win, as the associates get valuable experience against the full members, and Pakistan get accustomed to the UK conditions. Other nations should definitely take a leaf out of Pakistan's book here. Countries could play Ireland/Scotland/Netherlands before a tour of England, instead of games against counties. Although this is done often, it really needs more regularity. Ireland's fixture list is growing though this year, as along with these 2 ODI's, they will play 1 against England in September, a 4 day game against Australia A, and also a rumoured T20I series against Bangladesh. Hopefully the visit by Bangladesh will also include some ODI's and possibly even an unofficial test match. With the extra TAPP funding there is no doubt Ireland would be willing, Bangladesh on the other hand is another question.

Meanwhile in other associate/affiliate news (related to Pakistan), Afghanistan are going to hold a four week camp in February in Pakistan, in preparation for the matches against Scotland in March, including the vital 2015 World Cup Qualifier matches. Apparently Afghanistan will play 12 matches against regional sides, along with Pakistan A (according to Cricinfo). Hopefully Afghanistan and Pakistan can continue to strengthen links between each other. For Pakistan, Afghanistan may be the ideal country to play home matches against - perhaps a combination of ODI's and T20I's.

Ireland/Pakistan - http://www.espncricinfo.com/ireland/content/story/601615.html
Afghanistan/Pakistan - http://www.espncricinfo.com/afghanistan/content/current/story/601658.html