Cricket Ireland facing several off-field challenges ahead of first Test match

In six months' time Ireland will become the 11th nation to play Test cricket, a long-coveted prize that brings with it administrative and financial challenges not seen since rugby union turned professional.

On May 11 next year at around 11am - weather permitting of course - Pakistan will be on hand to welcome the format's first new arrival since Bangladesh were invited to the top table in November 2000.