BELFAST – The upcoming Ireland Women’s international cricket series against Scotland at Stormont is set to become the first home matches an Irish international team will be permitted to play in front of spectators since lockdown.
The series will be played from 23 to 27 May 2021, and – in accordance with the Northern Ireland Executive’s guidelines – spectators will be able to attend matches in Northern Ireland from Monday 24 May 2021.
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:
“Having spectators back at games is something we are greatly looking forward to, but I think I can speak for all Irish cricket fans when I say we are probably more excited to see the Ireland Women’s team back playing international cricket after 624 days.”
“Spectators will be permitted to attend Game 2, 3 and 4 of the series, and we look forward to seeing some familiar faces cheering on our team – and I know the squad are looking forward to playing in front of spectators.”
“Understanding the anomaly of our first match on Sunday not being allowed spectators, we made a request to the NI Executive for a special dispensation to allow spectators 24 hours earlier during Game 1. However, this was turned down so the first match of the series must unfortunately remain behind closed doors. Fans will still be able to watch the first match – and indeed all matches in the series – via our enhanced livestream on the YouTube channel: Cricket Ireland Live.”
The entry fee for matches at which spectators can attend will be £3, with all revenue raised from entry fees going to support the work of The Hope Foundation – Cricket Ireland’s official charity partner. For spectators, a number of COVID-19 guidelines will be in place, including hygiene stations and a track & trace system.
THE SERIES
The series will be played as follows:
• 23 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 1st T20I (Stormont, starting 1pm; no spectators permitted)
• 24 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 2nd T20I (Stormont, starting 1pm; spectators welcome)
• 26 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 3rd T20I (Stormont, starting 1pm; spectators welcome)
• 27 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 4th T20I (Stormont, starting 11am; spectators welcome)
Craig Easdown
Spectators are back! (from Monday in Northern Ireland)
No
Connaught
