Ireland will return to the attractive setting of Malahide for two one-day international series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan next summer, as the Boys in Green look forward to a busy 2016.
It was revealed at the launch of Cricket Ireland’s attractive membership programme for 2016, that the picturesque North Dublin venue, which has seen sell-out crowds for England ODIs in 2013 and 2015, will host Sri Lanka on Thursday June 16 and Saturday June 18, before Pakistan are the visitors on Thursday August 18 and Saturday August 20.

While Ireland will be looking for a first victory over Sri Lanka, the matches against Pakistan will revive memories of that famous World Cup victory in 2007 and a number of epic encounters since, including a tied match at Clontarf in 2013.

Cricket Ireland unveiled their prices for the games, with ‘Early Bird’ tickets available priced at €20 for adults, €16 for Senior Citizens, while entry for Under 16’s will cost just €8.

There are family deals available at €49 (2 adults, 2 children) while two match packages are on sale for just €35 (adults), €28 (Senior Citizens), €12 (Under 16’s), and €89 (family).

Tickets will go on sale Thursday morning via www.cricketireland.ie and TicketMaster outlets nationwide.

“It’s shaping up to be a fantastic year both at home and abroad because we’ve also got ODIs arranged in South Africa against their side and Australia,” said Ireland opening bowler Craig Young, at the official launch of the 2016 Cricket Ireland Membership scheme.

“Irish supporters are among the most passionate in world cricket, and there’s sure to a superb atmosphere at Malahide because Sri Lanka and Pakistan always have a big following themselves for matches in the area.

“With home conditions on our side we would be very hopeful of sending Irish fans home with a smile on their faces. A first win over a Test-playing side in Dublin is long overdue. We came close to beating Pakistan last time there with one game tied and the other a real nail-biter.”

Young was speaking at the launch of Cricket Ireland’s Membership Programme for 2016 at St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School at Malahide, where he joined fellow internationals Ed Joyce, Peter Chase, Andrew McBrine and over 200 school children.

Speaking about the membership packages for next year, Ireland’s Ed Joyce was keen to highlight how the Cricket Ireland Cubs initiative is a great way to get children involved in the game of cricket. He said: “I think the Cricket Ireland Cubs is a great idea, especially to get more kids into the ground and experience international cricket.

“Cricket in Ireland has much more visibility now, and as we’ve seen here at St. Oliver Plunkett’s today, the kids are mad about cricket. Hopefully we’ll see them all at Malahide for the Sri Lanka and Pakistan Series next year cheering us on.”

A variety of membership packages are available for 2016, including the Season Ticket which is priced at €149 or £115 and guarantees entry into all Ireland home fixtures, while the Cricket Ireland Cubs attractively priced at just €29 or £22. Membership can be purchased at www.cricketireland.ie and would make the ideal Christmas gift for any sports fan.

To purchase membership online, with a special 5% discount if you sign up or renew before the end of March click here.

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