Bangladesh to host Ireland in three one-dayers

DHAKA, Oct 11 (Reuters) Bangladesh will host Ireland in three one-day internationals in March and April next year, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said today.

''In future, Bangladesh will also tour to Ireland to play some matches as part of the reciprocal arrangement,'' said the BCB's Ahmed Sazzadul Alam.

Ireland beat test-playing nations Pakistan and Bangladesh at the World Cup this year to break into the official one-day international standings.

The Irish are currently ranked 10th, just behind Bangladesh and ahead of Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Ireland's tour of Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on March 16 and end on April 5, will also include two four-day matches against local teams.

''We have accepted Ireland's offer to play against us, and also as a test-playing country it is our obligation to cooperate with the ICC associate members in cricketing,'' he told Reuters.

REUTERS BJR RAI1333