News

DUBLIN and DUBAI – Cricket Ireland and the Emirates Cricket Board have today announced a two-match bilateral T20 International series in Dubai in late January 2026 – the fixtures form part of each squads’ preparations ahead of their respective participation in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The series details are as follows:

• 29 January 2025: Ireland Men v UAE Men – 1^st T20I (Dubai International Stadium; starts 6pm)
• 31 January 2025: Ireland Men v UAE Men – 2^nd T20I (Dubai International Stadium; starts 10am)

Head-to-head: Ireland v UAE

• The two teams have played 11 T20Is against each other – UAE won 7, Ireland won 4.

After completing their preparations in Dubai, Ireland Men will then travel to Sri Lanka where they will play Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman as part of Group B in the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, UAE Men will travel to India where they will play South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Canada as part of Group D in the T20 World Cup.

Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland, said:

“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.”