Explained: Why Ireland vs Zimbabwe one-off test isn't part of ICC World Test Championship 2023-25

The Ireland vs Zimbabwe Test match will start on July 25.

Fans are excited for the upcoming Ireland vs Zimbabwe one-off test match as both these teams get to play test cricket rarely, despite being Full Member nations.

Andy Balbirnie-led Ireland will be hosting Craig Ervine-led Zimbabwe team for a one-off test match, starting July 25. The game will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast. The Ireland vs Zimbabwe test match is scheduled to get underway at 11.00 AM local time / 10.00 AM GMT / 3.30 PM IST.

While both teams will look to put their best foot forward and entice some excitement about test cricket among their countrymen, there is nothing much to gain from this when it comes to the ICC World Test Championship points.

This one-off Ireland vs Zimbabwe Test match is not part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

Why is the Ireland vs Zimbabwe Test match not part of the ICC WTC 2023-25 cycle?

Even though both Ireland and Zimbabwe are Full Member nations, they are not part of the ongoing ICC WTC 2023-25 cycle. Hence, this match is not counted toward the WTC points table.

Of the 12 Full Member countries, nine are participating in the ICC WTC 2023-25 tournament. Apart from Ireland and Zimbabwe, Afghanistan are the third Full Member country who are not part of this competition.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe one-off Test match squads:

Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Zimbabwe squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Joylord Gumbie, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sean Williams

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