Ireland to play ODI series against UAE in January

The four matches will be played between January 8 and January 14 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. All games will be live streamed by ITW Consulting

Cricket Ireland and Emirates Cricket Board have announced that their men’s teams will play a four-match ODI series in January.

The four matches will be played between January 8 and January 14 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. All games will be live streamed by ITW Consulting.

Ireland will be without Gary Wilson for the series as he is attending the birth of his second child. Former captain William Porterfield will also be absent from the tour also.

The tour will be the first since Stuart Barnes was announced as assistant head coach and national bowling lead.

Ireland head coach, Graham Ford, said: “It goes without saying that 2020 has been a difficult year, but the lads have acquitted themselves well and can be proud of what they have managed to achieve.”

“We’ve beaten the T20 world champions, the West Indies, in a T20I in the Caribbean, beaten Afghanistan for the first time in a T20I in the subcontinent, and beaten the current World Cup champions England in their own backyard - those wins have helped build self-belief within the players and have demonstrated the progress we are making as a squad.

_{Stuart Barnes has previously worked at Surrey}

“We have two challenging series’ ahead of us, but we’re looking to create a sense of momentum going into a big year - a year that will feature multiple tours, a full home season and a T20 World Cup at the back end.”

Emirates Cricket Board vice chairman, Khalid Al Zarooni, added: “We are thrilled to be in a position to announce this series against ICC full member, Ireland.

“Collectively, our management teams have been working tirelessly to bring this series to fruition in Abu Dhabi, and one we extend our sincere gratitude to all involved.

“We are extremely thankful to Cricket Ireland for their commitment to this series and to Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the UAE authorities for supporting this tournament.”

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