Sport

Ireland to play India in two T20 internationals in 2018

Virat Kohli’s side will visit Malahide in June after Ireland’s maiden Test match in May

Virat Kohli’s India will visit Ireland for two T20 internationals in June. Photograph: Sumaya Hisham/Reuters

Wed Jan 10 2018 - 11:22

Ireland will play India in two T20 internationals in Dublin in June. Both games will be held at Malahide, with the first encounter scheduled for Wednesday June 27th and the second match two days later on Friday June 29th.

It will be the first time that the sides have met on Irish soil since they played an ODI in Belfast back in 2007.

The games will be the first T20 internationals for Ireland head coach Graham Ford, and the South African is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against such high profile opposition.

“It’s fantastic news for the lads and fans alike,” said Ford. “The matches will of course be a huge challenge for the team, but what an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talents in front of a huge audience, both at the games and live on television.

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“I’m sure the players will respond positively to the occasion with the added incentive of knowing eye-catching displays could result in a possible IPL contract.

“We haven’t played our best cricket in the format in recent years which is reflected in the rankings, but what better time to start climbing the ladder again. We have a number of players ideally suited to the short-form and on home soil it’s a great opportunity to cause a shock or two.

2018 is shaping up to be a busy and historic year for the Irish who start the year with a four-match ODI series against the UAE and Scotland this week.

They take part in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in March, while May sees Ireland play Pakistan in their maiden men’s Test Match at Malahide from May 11th-15th.

Tickets for the matches are available on TicketMaster www.ticketmaster.ie. Further details are also available on the official Cricket Ireland website www.cricketireland.ie

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