Cricket Ireland and the Emirates Cricket Board formally announced that Ireland will make a preparatory stop in the UAE ahead of the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The short warm-up tour will also include the IRE vs UAE series, comprising two T20 internationals to give both teams some valuable match time ahead of the big tournament.
Schedule for IRE vs UAE T20I Series
Ireland will arrive in the UAE in late January 2026.
The brief IRE vs UAE series will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on the following dates:
1st T20I – January 29
2nd T20I – 31 January
These will be important matches for both sides as they get a chance to fine-tune their squads and strategies ahead of the global event.
Post-Series Travel Plans for Both Teams
When the UAE fixtures are complete, Ireland will travel on to Sri Lanka where all four of their group-stage matches will take place. Ireland have been drawn in a group containing Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
Meanwhile, the UAE contingent will head to India to feature in this edition of the World Cup. They get their campaign underway in Chennai against New Zealand, followed by meetings with Canada, Afghanistan, and South Africa in Delhi.
Cricket Ireland Welcomes the Opportunity
Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland’s Director of Cricket, thanked the Emirates Cricket Board for hosting the series. He underlined that the IRE vs UAE contests are an integral part of Ireland’s warm-up schedule.
He added that playing at the Dubai International Stadium offers players a high-quality environment to prepare for the pressures of a global tournament and that more warm-up fixtures will be announced soon.
ALSO READ: Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers: Rain-Soaked Clash Ends In Controversy
