Ireland to face India in Stormont T20 matches

Ireland recently won the T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad [Getty Images] Ireland's men are to face India in two Twenty20 internationals at Stormont in June, Cricket Ireland has confirmed. The sides previously met at Malahide in 2023 in a three-match series won by the recently crowned T20 world champions. It is anticipated that 5,000 seats will be installed to accommodate spectators for the two upcoming fixtures.

Their summer begins with a one-off Test match with New Zealand in Belfast in May before the India series, and ends with a five-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Bready and Belfast. There is also an agreement "in principle" for England to play three T20s in Ireland in 2029. Cricket Ireland also confirmed that Ireland's women will play a tri-series with Pakistan and West Indies in the build-up to competing at the T20 World Cup in England in June.

They will then welcome West Indies to Bready in July before travelling to England - both in three-match ODI series. Newly appointed CEO Sarah Keane said that Cricket Ireland needs to be a "fit-for-purpose operation" but while there are challenges ahead for the organisation due to the "volatility in the global economy", the target remains for Ireland to continue to grow and develop. "My focus over the coming months is to develop a sustainable approach to our business," she said.

"[It is] to seek greater planning certainty year-on-year, to find money to invest in our talent pathways, to enhance our profile within the Irish community and to support clubs to source funding for equipment and facilities upgrades. "Today's announcements mark the start of this work. We will partner with government, cricket and other stakeholders, and the fans to grow our game.