Ireland and Italy Set for Historic T20I Series Ahead of World Cup

Ireland and Italy are gearing up for a groundbreaking T20I series in Dubai, which will be Italy's first-ever three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member. Scheduled to start on January 23, this series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With Ireland looking to fine-tune their squad and Italy aiming to gain valuable experience, this historic matchup promises to be an exciting lead-up to the tournament. Discover more about the significance of this series and what it means for both teams as they make cricket history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 01:50 IST

Ireland to Face Italy in Groundbreaking T20I Series

Dublin [Ireland], December 3: Ireland is set to compete against Italy in a three-match T20I series in Dubai, as both teams prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka, according to the ICC website. This series offers a vital opportunity for both teams to refine their rosters ahead of the tournament.

This series holds special significance for Italy, marking their inaugural three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member. The matches are scheduled to occur at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, commencing on January 23.

Previously, Ireland and Italy have only clashed once in a T20I, during the qualifiers for the 2024 T20 World Cup in 2023, where Ireland triumphed by 7 runs. Italy aims to gain essential experience from this series as they gear up for their first-ever World Cup appearance.

For Ireland, this series is part of a larger preparation plan. After facing Italy, they will also engage in two T20Is against the UAE starting January 29.

Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the series, stating, “We’re thrilled that the Italian Cricket Federation has agreed to this series in Dubai. It’s crucial for our squad to engage in competitive matches before the T20 World Cup, and these three games will be perfect for acclimatizing to the warm conditions after the Irish winter.”

He added, “The Italians performed admirably to defeat Scotland and qualify for their first-ever World Cup, and we anticipate a fiercely contested series.”

Maria Lorena Haz Paz, President of the Federazione Cricket Italiana, shared her excitement regarding this historic series and its importance for Italy as they prepare for the T20 World Cup.

“Since Italy Men defeated Scotland and advanced through the World Cup Qualifier for the first time in our history, we have focused on establishing the best preparation program for our players ahead of the tournament in February,” she noted.

“We are extremely grateful that Cricket Ireland was so accommodating in organizing this series – it will be historic as it marks our first three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member,” Maria added.

“We eagerly anticipate these fixtures as we make history and hope to elevate the profile and support for our cricket team throughout Italy – and perhaps even attract a few fans globally,” she concluded.