A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed PakPassion.net that Pakistan look set to face Ireland & Scotland in 3 ODIs ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year.

By Nasser Khan (13th November, 2012)

A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)has informed PakPassion.net that Pakistan look set to face Ireland in 2 ODIs ahead of the Champions Trophy next year.

Whilst the dates and venues are yet to be finalised, it would appear that the idea is to provide team with an opportunity to acclimitize ahead of the Champions Trophy to be held in England in summer of 2013.

Pakistan last visited Ireland in May 2011 for two ODIs, both played in Belfast, which Pakistan won by seven and five wickets respectively. The history of competition between 2 countries may not be as intense as the famed Indo Pak rivalry but Pakistani fans will vivdly recall that it was Ireland who famously inflicted defeat on Pakistan in the 2007 ICC World Cup, a loss which effectively resulted in them leaving the tournament early.

The 2011 tour of Ireland saw Pakistani batsmen stamp their seal of authority against a spirited Irish side with Mohammed Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq all putting in some impressive performances. Amongst the bowlers, Junaid Khan and Saeed Ajmal never allowed any semblance of resistance to develop from the Irish side with the exception of Paul Stirling whose 109 in a score of 238 (2nd ODI) remains one of the most memorable performances of the tour.

In related development, PakPassion.net have also been told that the PCB are also looking at playing an ODI against Scotland next year in addition to the 2 matches v Ireland - once again the venues and dates are yet be disclosed.

Pakistan begin their ICC Champions Trophy campaign on the 7th of June with a game against West Indies at the Oval and follow it by a high profile clash against India on 15th June in Edgbaston.

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