Cricket Ireland in talks with BCCI for India tour in 2026

Cricket Ireland is working to bring India’s men’s team for a short white-ball series in the summer of 2026, just before India heads to England for five T20Is and three ODIs in July. Discussions have begun between officials from both boards, with Malahide (Dublin) the likely venue if the tour is confirmed.

Why this tour matters

Ireland’s home summer in 2025 was thin, and several games were washed out. Captain Paul Stirling said the team felt underprepared. A visit from India would help in two ways: it would give Ireland good-quality match time at home, and it would bring strong crowds and revenue, which supports the wider game.

What Cricket Ireland is doing now

Brian MacNeice, the CI chair, met Ireland players and staff to hear concerns and discuss plans for 2026 and 2027. He agreed that the amount of cricket in 2025 was not enough. The board is trying to improve both the international calendar and the domestic season so players stay ready for big series and ICC events.

Likely timing and format

If agreed, the India series would likely be scheduled in late June 2026, just before the England leg in early July. It would be white-ball only—T20Is, ODIs, or a mix—similar to India’s short visits in 2018, 2022, and 2023. Exact match count will depend on both teams’ packed calendars.

Ireland’s 2026 home slate

Ireland is already due to host:

• New Zealand: one Test.

• Bangladesh: three ODIs and three T20Is.

• Afghanistan: one Test, three ODIs, three T20Is.

Adding India would make the summer stronger, give more home practice in Irish conditions, and help fans see top teams more often.

Venues and infrastructure

Malahide has hosted India before and usually draws full houses. At the same time, Cricket Ireland says the new Abbotstown stadium project near Dublin remains on track, which should reduce the costs and challenges of turning club grounds into international venues in the future.

Wider plans and governance

Cricket Ireland is also:

• In talks with the ECB and Scotland around the 2030 Men’s T20 World Cup, which the three countries will co-host.

• Supportive of a two-division World Test Championship that could include Ireland.

• Hiring a new chief executive to replace Warren Deutrom, with a recommendation expected later in the year.

• Moving ahead with the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), now planned for 2026 after a delay in launching.

What to watch next

• Confirmation of India’s stopover dates and number of matches.

• Finalised 2026 schedule including New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan series.

• Updates on Abbotstown progress and venue allocations.

• Commercial details that can help CI fund more home games and reduce weather-related risk where possible.