Cricket Ireland (CI) is actively engaged in discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to potentially host the Indian men's cricket team for a white-ball series in the summer of 2026. This series is being planned to take place before India's tour of England, which is scheduled to commence on July 1st with five T20Is and three ODIs.

These discussions come at a time when Cricket Ireland is facing scrutiny regarding its home match schedule. Ireland captain Paul Stirling recently voiced his frustration over the limited number of home international matches, stating that the team felt "underprepared" for the ongoing T20I series against England. He further added that the team requires more home games to adequately prepare for major international competitions.

In response to these concerns, Brian MacNeice, the Chair of Cricket Ireland, acknowledged the scheduling issues. He admitted that the current amount of cricket being played in 2025 is insufficient to prepare players for international competition and to be competitive at ICC tournaments. MacNeice stated that CI is mapping out their views and thoughts on the schedules for 2026 and 2027, and seeking input from players on both the international and domestic fixtures.

Securing a tour by India would not only address the concerns regarding the lack of home fixtures but also provide a significant boost to Cricket Ireland's finances. India's previous visits to Ireland for T20I series in 2018, 2022, and 2023 have attracted strong crowds to Malahide, near Dublin. Replicating this success would be a welcome development for CI officials.

However, Ireland faces challenges in arranging more home fixtures due to the high costs associated with converting club grounds into international venues and the low value of broadcast rights deals. Despite these challenges, MacNeice has assured that the players understand the difficulties faced by CI.

Looking ahead, Ireland is set to host New Zealand for one Test, Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is, and Afghanistan for one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is next summer, as part of the ICC's Future Tours Programme. Furthermore, CI's new stadium project at Abbotstown, near Dublin, is reportedly on track. MacNeice has also had positive discussions with senior ECB officials regarding the 2030 men's T20 World Cup, which Ireland, England, and Scotland are expected to host.