Cricket in Ireland is reportedly going through a critical juncture, as players, led by captain Paul Stirling, have voiced frustration over the lack of competitive home games in 2025. Stirling described the team as “underprepared” for their ongoing T20I series against England, with only nine men’s international matches scheduled this summer, four of which were abandoned due to rain. Speaking after Friday’s washout in the second T20I at Malahide, Cricket Ireland (CI) Chair Brian MacNeice addressed these concerns in a meeting with players and staff, reportedly admitting that the current volume of cricket is insufficient for preparing the team for international competition and ICC tournaments. “I opened the meeting by saying, as far as I’m concerned,
the quantum of cricket that we’re playing in ’25 isn’t good enough to prepare you guys to play international cricket and to be competitive,” MacNeice stated.
Amid that, Cricket Ireland (CI) is engaging with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to secure a potential white-ball tour by the Indian men’s cricket team in the summer of 2026 ahead of India’s scheduled tour of England, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The reported discussions aim to address Ireland’s ongoing challenge of a sparse international fixture list, a concern raised by players and acknowledged by CI Chair Brian MacNeice. With Ireland’s 2025 home season hampered by limited matches and weather disruptions, the proposed India tour could provide a significant boost to the team’s preparation and fan engagement, while reinforcing Ireland’s growing stature in international cricket. India’s potential visit in 2026 would mark their fourth T20I series in Ireland in seven years, following successful tours in 2018, 2022, and 2023, which drew strong crowds to Malahide Cricket Club on the outskirts of Dublin.
Ireland will host their final 2025 home game against England on September 21, 2025
MacNeice’s meeting with the squad focused not only on international fixtures but also on strengthening the domestic schedule to better prepare players for global competition. Stirling, who will lead Ireland in their upcoming Bangladesh tour in November 2025 as part of 2026 T20 World Cup preparations, expressed hope for a busier 12-18 months ahead. “We’re obviously disappointed. We want to play as much cricket as we can,” he said, highlighting the need for consistent game time to optimise performance. As Ireland prepares for their final 2025 home match against England on September 21, the prospect of hosting India in 2026 has reportedly energised stakeholders.
The proposed tour, likely comprising two or three T20Is, would precede India’s England tour, scheduled for July 1-19, 2026, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs. While specific dates and fixtures are yet to be finalised, the series could provide Ireland with a high-profile opportunity to test their mettle in preparations for co-hosting the 2030 T20 World Cup with England and Scotland. ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) has Ireland hosting New Zealand (one Test), Bangladesh (three ODIs and three T20Is), and Afghanistan (one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is) in 2026, alongside the potential India series.
