India vs. Ireland: T20 Series Returns to Belfast After 17 Years!
India to play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast this June.
Top Summary
- What happened: India will play a two-match T20 International series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and June 28, 2026.
- Why it matters: This series marks India's return to Belfast after 17 years and serves as preparation for their England tour.
- What changes for people: Cricket fans in Belfast will get to witness India play after a long gap. Ireland's T20 team gets a new captain implementing their strategy.
- Who is affected: The Indian and Irish cricket teams, cricket fans in Ireland, and the BCCI are affected.
India Returns to Belfast After Almost Two Decades
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the Indian team will tour Ireland for two T20Is in June 2026.
The matches will be held in Belfast, marking India’s first visit to the city since 2007.
Series Serves as England Tour Prep
The Ireland series will act as a preparatory assignment for India's upcoming white-ball tour of England in July.
India will play five T20Is and three ODIs in England from July 1 to 19.
BCCI Secretary's Statement
"Team India (Senior Men) will travel to Ireland for a two-match T20I series in June 2026. Having toured Ireland three times in the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023). This tour will mark India's return to Belfast for the first time since 2007,"
said BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Ireland Announces Leadership Changes
Ireland’s director of high performance, Graham West, had earlier announced the series while addressing leadership changes in the T20 setup.
"With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s (Stirling) decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June,"
West said.
India's Busy Schedule
India's tour of Ireland comes after hosting Afghanistan for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series.
The series against Afghanistan is scheduled to conclude on June 20.
Past Ireland Tours
India has toured Ireland multiple times recently, with matches in Malahide drawing large crowds.
However, these upcoming fixtures will see them return to Belfast after nearly two decades.
What to Watch Next
Cricket fans will be eagerly watching for the announcement of the Indian squad for both the Ireland and England tours. The performance of the new Irish T20 captain will also be under scrutiny as they prepare for future tournaments.