India To Tour Ireland For T20I Series Ahead Of White-Ball Assignment Against England

India, the reigning world champions, are set to undertake a T20I series in Ireland during June, ahead of their white-ball assignment in England.

Ireland's director of high performance, Graham West, confirmed the series while also announcing Paul Stirling's decision to relinquish the T20I captaincy.

India's gruelling packed schedule will see them host Afghanistan for only one Test and a three-ODI series, concluding on June 20, before departing on a white-ball tour of England, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs from July 1-19, with a brief stopover in Ireland for a T20I series ahead of the English assignment.

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Graham West announced that the India series aligns with Ireland's strategic plans for the forthcoming summer.

"With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul's (Stirling) decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June," West said in a press release.

India's previous tours of Ireland (2018, 2022, and 2023) have drawn large crowds to Malahide and Dublin.

"It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I'm very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role," Stirling said.

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He stepped down following a disappointing T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Stirling, retaining the ODI captaincy, stated he remains "fully committed" to contributing across formats.

"I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field," he said.