The exact dates and venue for the historic match have yet to be decided, but the opponents have been confirmed.

Both countries agreed to face each other during the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, today.

Ireland and Afghanistan were given test status in June when they became the 11th and 12th full members of the ICC.

Cricket Ireland has since been looking for suitable opponents for their opening clash in the five-day game.

"We are excited to welcome Pakistan to Ireland for our inaugural test match next year," said Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom.

"It has been our wish to make our test debut in front of our own fans within 12 months of becoming a test nation, and against a big team - so I'm delighted."

Pakistan were top of the test match rankings as recently as last year before slipping back after the retirement of captain Misbah-ul-Haq and senior batsman Younis Khan.

"We would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board most sincerely for agreeing to be our first opponent in test cricket - the Pakistan team has been a regular visitor to our shores in recent years, and their agreement to be our opponent on this important occasion for Irish cricket is further evidence of their terrific support," added Deutrom.

Irish captain William Porterfield welcomed confirmation of the match, adding: "It's fantastic news for Irish cricket. 

"It's going to be a bit special and it's always great to be a part of history.

"There's a special affinity between ourselves and Pakistan going back to the 2007 World Cup and they've been regular tourists here over the past decade.

"Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport and I know how much this game will mean to not only the players but all involved with Irish cricket.

"It'll be another step on what has been an incredible journey for our sport in a relatively short passage of time.

"It's sure to be an incredible and emotional experience for all involved. 

"I know how much this will mean to all the players and just how much we all will forward to our dream of being test cricketers realised.

"I'm certain there will be an incredible atmosphere from both sets of fans who will be keen to witness a piece of history."

While Ireland has only been admitted to test status this year, cricket has existed in the country since the 18th century and the national team, like its rugby union counterpart, represents both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Cricket Ireland has five provincial unions - the newest, for the western province of Connacht, was founded in 2010, the first founded in more than 60 years, with nine teams involved.

The Leinster Union has 41 affiliated clubs in Dublin and nearby counties, while the Munster Union has 13.

The Northern Cricket Union covers 39 clubs in Antrim, Armagh, Down and part of Tyrone in Northern Ireland, as well as Monaghan in the Republic, while the North West Cricket Union covers most of the western part of Northern Ireland, along with Donegal in the Republic, and has 32 affiliated clubs.