The Irish cricket team will return to the attractive setting of Malahide for two one-day international series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan next summer.
There will be four matches in total with Sri Lanka coming on June 16th and 18th and Pakistan on August 18th and 20th.
Both series will include a Thursday and Saturday game allowing for a balance between corporate and public appeal.
The team , together with the Women’s side will both be in World Cup action in March in India and having high profile games against two of the likely stars of that tournament so soon after will give a further boost to Cricket’s rising star.
It was revealed on Sport for Business last week that Cricket Ireland’s social media reach is now greater than that of the GAA and the FAI, with a genuine global interest in Ireland’s progress towards full test status.
These games together with the World Cup could prove a gilt edged opportunity for a sponsor with Hanley Energy believed not to be extending their overall sponsorship into 2016. Royal London Insurance were involved with One Day games in 2015 and Discover Ireland gained global benefit from a partnership through last year but now a major sponsor is being sought to capitalise on the sports growing appeal.
There is likely to be appeal within financial services and companies with a global footprint.
“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.”
Tickets for the games and 2016 Membership packages are on sale now at the Cricket Ireland website
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 todays launch, said Ireland star and Cricketer of the Year Ed Joyce.
“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.”
Image Credit: Sportsfile
