World champions India will play a Twenty20 International series in Ireland in June before their white-ball assignment in England.
Graham West, Ireland’s director of high performance, confirmed the series while announcing Paul Stirling’s resignation as their T20I captain.
India will go to England for five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) from July 1–19, with the Ireland series taking place before the English series. India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series that ends on June 20.
The India series is a part of their summertime plans, according to Graham West.
“With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s (Stirling) decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June,” West said in a press release.
In the last seven years, India have made three trips to Ireland (in 2018, 2022, and 2023), drawing sizable crowds to Malahide, which is located on the outskirts of Dublin.
“It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I’m very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role,” Stirling said.
He quit after an unsatisfactory T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Before defeating Oman, Ireland suffered losses to Australia and Sri Lanka; their final game against Zimbabwe was called off.
Stirling stated that he is “fully committed” to contribute in all formats and that he will continue to lead Ireland in ODIs.
“I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field,” he said.
