UAE to host Ireland ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The two teams are set to participate in a two-match T20I series in late January 2026.
The UAE will lock horns with Ireland for a two-match T20I series in late January to prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in India and Sri Lanka in February next year.
Both the matches will be played at the Dubai International Stadium.
While Ireland are slotted in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman, the UAE are drawn in Group D alongwith South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Canada for the 2026 marquee event.
Each group for the Men's T20 World Cup 2026
All four groups have been announced for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
The UAE have upper hand against Ireland, winning seven out of the 11 T20I encounters and Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland believed the bilateral series will provide Ireland good warm-up ahead of the big tournament.
“We are delighted that the Emirates Cricket Board has agreed to host and play two T20Is against Ireland at Dubai International Stadium.
"This series against the UAE will provide part of an exceptional warm-up programme for our players - we hope to announce more fixtures shortly.
“Our thanks to the ECB and we look forward to playing some competitive cricket in such a prestigious stadium.”
Ireland are currently playing a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh wherein they clinched the series opener and notched up their first win in 14 months.
Fixtures:
First T20I: Thursday, January 29, Dubai International Stadium
Second T20I: Saturday, January 31, Dubai International Stadium
