Ireland to play in UAE tournament

Ireland pace bowler Adrian McCoubrey with miss the series

Ireland have agreed to take part in the five-team EurAsia Cricket Series in the United Arab Emirates next month.

The other teams taking part in the 9-20 March tournament in Abu Dhabi are India A, Pakistan A, an England A side and the hosts UAE.

Bowler Adrian McCoubrey will be the only absentee for the trip.

Meanwhile, local cricket is in mourning after the death of international umpire Trevor Henry after a short illness at the age of 51.

The Irish will start against Pakistan A on 10 March with their second match against England A three days later.

UAE are the opposition in the Zayed International Stadium on 16 March with the final game against India A on 19 March.

The final between the two top teams will be held the following day.

Ireland will be the only associate nation taking part and their invitation to the tournament is seen as reward after they qualified for the World Cup finals.

The day/night matches will also provide Ireland with valuable experience of playing under floodlights.