IRELAND’S CRICKETERS WILL take on Australia and England in one-day internationals next year, it has been confirmed today.
As part of a busy 2015, Ireland are set to contest the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in February and March before co-hosting the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers with Scotland between 9 July and 2 August.
And while no date has been set for the visit of England, it has been announced that Australia will arrive three weeks later to play on 27 August after the fifth Ashes Test.
“We are thrilled to welcome both England and Australia to Ireland once again,” said Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom.
“Although opportunities to find space in the Future Tours Programme are rare against the world’s leading teams, it is apparent that Cricket Australia and the ECB are committed to ensuring that the top Associates, like Scotland and Ireland, have a chance to test themselves against the best and to help us to improve.
“Off the field, the visit of such teams gives a massive boost to the profile of the sport, gives a terrific injection to the local economy and provides a wonderful day out for our fans.
2015 promises to be a landmark year for Irish cricket with the World Cup, home ODI’s against two of the world’s top teams, and co-hosting the World Twenty20 Qualifiers,” he added.
“All these events represent a wonderful business opportunity for a potential sponsor as our highly successful seven year association with RSA draws to an end. These high profile events will deliver a terrific return on investment to sponsorship partners.”
