India to play T20Is in Ireland before England white-ball tour

As preparations gather pace for a busy English summer, India have added a crucial stop to their white-ball calendar, a T20I series against the Ireland national cricket team in June. The short tour is expected to serve as a strategic build-up ahead of India’s high-profile limited-overs assignment in England.

The confirmation came from Graham West, Ireland’s director of high performance, who announced the development while addressing a key leadership change. Veteran batter Paul Stirling has stepped down as Ireland’s T20I captain, marking the end of a significant chapter in their white-ball journey.

For India, the Ireland series fits into a packed international schedule . Before heading to the UK, the team will host the Afghanistan national cricket team for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series ending on June 20. The Ireland tour will follow immediately, acting as a bridge to the England series, where India are set to play five T20Is and three ODIs from July 1 to 19.

The Ireland leg, featuring only T20 Internationals, is likely to give India room to experiment with combinations , with a mix of senior players and emerging talent expected to feature. In contrast, the England tour, split between T20Is and ODIs, will demand a more settled, first-choice squad , particularly in the 50-over format where combinations are crucial.

From Ireland’s perspective, the series carries added importance. With qualification secured for the 2028 T20 World Cup, the team is entering a transition phase . Stirling’s decision to step down opens the door for a new captain to shape the side’s direction, beginning with a challenging contest against one of the world’s strongest teams.

“It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format,” Stirling said, while confirming he will continue to captain the ODI side and remain fully committed across formats .

India, meanwhile, will look to use the Ireland series to fine-tune combinations before stepping into the more intense England challenge. With familiarity at venues like Malahide and strong crowd support, the stage is set for a series that is more than just preparation, it is the starting point of a crucial white-ball stretch for both teams.