The reigning world champions, India, are set to return to Ireland this summer for a two-match T20 International series on 26 and 28 June. The fixtures will serve as a high-profile curtain-raiser for the team's upcoming white-ball tour of England. In a notable change of scenery, both matches will be staged in Belfast, marking the Indian side's first appearance in the city since 2007.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the tour on Saturday, noting that while India have visited Ireland three times over the last eight years — specifically in 2018, 2022, and 2023 — those previous encounters were held on the outskirts of Dublin. This move to Belfast represents a significant return to a venue the powerhouse cricketing nation hasn't graced in nearly two decades. The announcement follows a statement earlier this week from Cricket Ireland’s director of high performance, Graham West, who confirmed the series whilst also announcing that veteran Paul Stirling would be stepping down as T20 captain.
The timing of the Irish trip slots into a packed summer schedule for India. Before heading across the Irish Sea, they are due to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series concluding on 20 June. Immediately following the Belfast double-header, the squad will travel to England for a comprehensive white-ball assignment consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs, running from 1 to 19 July.
For the hosts, the series marks the beginning of a new chapter. With their place in the 2028 T20 World Cup already secured, the Irish setup views these matches as the perfect testing ground for a new captain to establish their own tactical style. Given the massive crowds the Indian team typically draws in Malahide, the shift to Belfast is expected to generate significant local interest as the world's top-ranked side rolls into town.
Also read: BCCI announces IPL 2026 Phase- 1 schedule
Follow us
