Ireland Unveils Extensive 2026 Home Cricket Fixtures, India T20Is Set for June
Cricket Ireland has officially announced a comprehensive home schedule for its men's and women's national teams for the 2026 season, marking a significant year with multiple high-profile assignments. The highlight of the calendar is a two-match T20 International series against India, scheduled for late June, which is expected to draw considerable global attention.
Men's Team Schedule: Tests, T20Is, and ODIs
The Irish men's side will commence their summer campaign by hosting New Zealand, the 2021 ICC World Test Champions, in a solitary Test match at Stormont in Belfast from May 27 to 30. This encounter promises to be a thrilling start to the season, testing Ireland's skills in the longest format of the game.
Following this, the focus shifts to the much-anticipated T20I series against India. The first T20I is set for June 26 at Stormont, Belfast, with the second match taking place on June 28 at the same venue. These fixtures are poised to be major crowd-pullers, offering fans a chance to witness top-tier cricketing action.
Later in the summer, from August 5 to 14, Ireland will host Afghanistan for a five-match One-Day International series. The matches will be split between Bready and Stormont, Belfast, providing a robust challenge in the 50-over format.
Women's Team: ICC Championship and T20 World Cup Preparations
On the women's front, Ireland is gearing up for a landmark year as they participate in the fourth edition of the ICC Women's Championship. As part of this cycle, they will host India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and West Indies at home, while embarking on away tours to England, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
The women's schedule kicks off with a home series against West Indies in July, featuring three ODIs at Bready. This will be followed by away tours to England in September and Zimbabwe in early 2027, ensuring a balanced mix of home and international exposure.
In preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales, starting June 12, Ireland will host a T20I tri-series from May 28 onwards. This series will feature West Indies and Pakistan, with matches held at Clontarf, offering crucial match practice ahead of the global tournament. Ireland is placed in Group B alongside England, defending champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.
Detailed Fixture List
Men's Schedule:
- Only Test: Ireland v New Zealand - 27-30 May 2026, Stormont, Belfast
- T20I Series vs India: 1st T20I - 26 June, Stormont, Belfast; 2nd T20I - 28 June, Stormont, Belfast
- ODI Series vs Afghanistan: 1st ODI - 5 August, Bready; 2nd ODI - 7 August, Bready; 3rd ODI - 10 August, Stormont, Belfast; 4th ODI - 12 August, Stormont, Belfast; 5th ODI - 14 August, Stormont, Belfast
Women's Schedule:
- T20I Tri-Series (Ireland, West Indies, Pakistan): Matches from 28 May to 4 June at Clontarf
- ODI Series vs West Indies: 1st ODI - 10 July, Bready; 2nd ODI - 12 July, Bready; 3rd ODI - 15 July, Bready
- ODI Series vs England (away): 1st ODI - 1 September, Leicestershire; 2nd ODI - 3 September, Derbyshire; 3rd ODI - 6 September, Worcestershire
This packed schedule underscores Cricket Ireland's commitment to developing both men's and women's cricket, providing ample opportunities for growth and competition on the international stage. Fans can look forward to an exciting summer of cricket across formats and venues.
