NEW DELHI: After all tickets for the first two T20 Internationals were sold out, Cricket Ireland realized that the global appeal of the Indian team was giving nascent cricket councils financial clout.
“The first and second men’s T20 international matches between Ireland and India are now sold out, with the third match selling out quickly,” Cricket Ireland posted on its website.
All matches will be held at ‘The Village’ Malahide Cricket Club The stadium has an official capacity of 11,500.
Since the MS Dhoni-led team beat them with eight goals in a World Twenty20 group game in England in 2009, India have won all five previous T20Is against Ireland.
Ireland then went on to host Team India twice in the two-match T20I series in 2018 and 2022 held at the same venue in Dublin.
Wants to make an impression: Lorcan Tucker
Lorcan Tucker, batter for the team led by Paul Stirling, said they were aware of the enormous challenge and wanted to leave a lasting impression.
“Malahide creates a special feeling, especially when a big team comes to town,” Tucker is quoted on the Cricket Ireland website.
“We know India can get a lot of support, but to get such a big crowd – it’s great for cricket in Ireland,” he added.
“The team has quite a bit of experience with these bigger games. We’ve been to World Cups; we’ve played against India before. We know what it feels like to play games. This great pressure goes on.”
Tucker knows what India has to offer.
“They are the show of the summer for the fans in Ireland. We just want to make an impression, always have fun, be comfortable and play with confidence. That’s our main motto going forward.”
“This year we have a lot of cricket. We have prepared very well, especially for T20 cricket. We have had a pretty good run in Scotland where we have qualified for next year’s World Cup. , so I think everyone gets excited,” he added.
The series will mark the return of the speed spear Jasprit Bumrah who will return to lead India after about a year off due to injury.
His recurrent back injury has kept Bumrah out of action since India’s home series against Australia last September during preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Bumrah will lead the second line with the opening goal Ruturaj Gaikwad as his deputy.
India under Hardik Pandya lost their last T20I series to the West Indies by 2-3 in the Caribbean and USA.
“We had two great games against India last summer and I think people are really looking forward to the big concentration and the crowd. They’re going to come with that energy and that. would be great,” said Tucker.
The 26-year-old came from a 93-by-133 in the Lightning knocking out the North West Warriors in an Intercity Cup game on Monday.
“It’s good to be out there for a long time and figure out some of the quirks that go wrong over the summer. It’s been great to have that kind of energy and excitement to be on that big series. ,” he say.
(With PTI input)
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