Cricket Ireland (CI) is reportedly in discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding a potential tour by the Indian men's cricket team in 2026. The potential series would likely be a white-ball series and would take place before India's scheduled tour of England, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs from July 1 to 19.

India has made three short T20I visits to Ireland in recent years, specifically in 2018, 2022, and 2023. These matches have proven to be quite popular, drawing large crowds to Malahide, near Dublin. Cricket Ireland hopes to replicate that success and bolster their summer schedule.

The discussions with the BCCI come in the wake of concerns about the lack of home international fixtures. Ireland captain Paul Stirling recently voiced his frustration, saying the team felt "underprepared" for the ongoing T20I series against England due to limited home action. CI Chair Brian MacNeice acknowledged these concerns, admitting that the volume of cricket in 2025 is "not good enough" to prepare the national side for international competition. MacNeice stated that he is not "hiding from that" and that CI is mapping out their views for the schedules in 2026 and 2027.

Ireland's schedule for the summer of 2026 is already shaping up, with visits from New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan planned. Ireland is expected to host two Test matches alongside limited-overs games. Specifically, Ireland will host New Zealand for a one-off Test match in May 2026, which will be the first Test match between the two nations. They will also host Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is and Afghanistan for one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

The lack of home fixtures for Ireland is reportedly due to the high costs of converting club grounds into international venues and the low value of broadcast rights deals. Despite these challenges, MacNeice indicated that the players understand the difficulties faced by Cricket Ireland.

MacNeice also provided an update on CI's long-term infrastructure plans, confirming that the proposed international stadium at Abbotstown remains "very much on track". Discussions with the ECB regarding the 2030 T20 World Cup, which Ireland will co-host with England and Scotland, are also progressing positively.

Looking ahead, Ireland's women's team is also scheduled to tour England in September 2026 for three ODIs, which will form part of the 2025-2029 ICC Women's Championship.