India, Aug. 5 -- Ireland's decision to host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series has reportedly caused unease within the England and Wales Cricket Board, potentially placing future men's fixtures between Ireland and England at risk. The series begins in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, with two matches scheduled at Bready before the teams move to Stormont for the remaining three games. It forms part of a broader reciprocal agreement under which Ireland are due to tour the United Arab Emirates next March for one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is against Afghanistan.

According to reports, the ECB is unhappy with Cricket Ireland's decision to proceed with the bilateral series. England have refused to arrange bilateral cricket against Afghan...