Ireland and Italy will lock horns in a three-match T20I series in the UAE from January 23 to January 26, 2026. The Sevens Stadium in Dubai will host all three games. This series marks another chapter in the growing rivalry between these two European cricket nations.
Ireland vs Italy Overview
Cricket Ireland confirmed a short T20I tour to the UAE in January 2026. The tour includes a bilateral series against Italy. Both teams look forward to this opportunity as valuable preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Ireland will enter this series as clear favorites. They hold Full Member status with the ICC and play regular international cricket. Italy, on the other hand, continues to grow as an Associate Member nation. The Italian team earned qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026 and will use this series to gain experience against a stronger opponent.
This three-match series gives both teams a chance to fine-tune their T20 game plans. Ireland can test their squad combinations ahead of bigger tournaments. Italy can measure its progress against a top-tier T20 side.
Ireland vs Italy T20I Schedule
All three T20I matches will take place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Here is the complete match schedule:
| Match | Date | Day | Start Time (GMT) | Local Time (UAE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 23, 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | January 25, 2026 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | January 26, 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
The first match starts at 06:00 GMT on January 23. The second and third matches begin at 09:00 GMT on January 25 and 26, respectively.
Head-to-Head Record
Ireland holds a dominant record against Italy in international cricket. The two teams have met four times in official matches, with Ireland winning all four.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2023 | Edinburgh (Golden) | Ireland | 7 runs | T20I |
| March 15, 2012 | Abu Dhabi | Ireland | 2 wickets | T20 |
| July 29, 2008 | Dublin (Malahide) | Ireland | 4 wickets | Other OD |
| August 7, 2006 | Glasgow | Ireland | 7 wickets | Other OD |
The most recent meeting took place in Edinburgh in July 2023. Ireland secured a narrow 7-run victory in that T20 International. Their previous encounter in Abu Dhabi in 2012 saw Ireland chase down the target with 2 wickets remaining.
Ireland leads 4-0 in the head-to-head record. Italy will hope to change this trend and register its first win against the Irish side.
Where to Watch Ireland vs Italy Live
Cricket fans can watch the Ireland vs Italy T20I series through several platforms. The exact broadcast details may vary by region. FanCode holds streaming rights for many Ireland cricket matches in India.
Indian fans should check the FanCode app and website for coverage details.
ICC.tv provides live streaming for ICC events and select international cricket in many regions worldwide.
Fans in Europe, the Middle East, and other territories can explore this platform.
Cricket Ireland’s YouTube Channel often streams home internationals and select away tours.
Fans can check the official Cricket Ireland website for livestream information.
Check your local sports broadcasters for television coverage in your region. Streaming availability depends on your location and existing broadcast agreements.
Tickets Information
Ticket details for the Ireland vs Italy T20I series at The Sevens Stadium have not yet been fully announced. Fans interested in attending the matches should monitor these sources:
The Emirates Cricket Board website will likely release ticket information closer to the event date. The Sevens Stadium’s official website may also provide booking options for cricket events.
Fans can reach out to The Sevens Stadium events team at sports.events@thesevens.ae for ticket inquiries. Following Cricket Ireland and Emirates Cricket Board on social media will help fans stay updated on ticket availability.
Venue Details: The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
The Sevens Stadium sits at the intersection of the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and Jebel Ali-Lahbab Road (E77). The venue is about 30 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport.
Stadium Capacity: The stadium can accommodate most spectators.
Cricket Facilities: The venue features six cricket pitches. Three of these are grass pitches with two having floodlights. Three subhka pitches complete the cricket setup.
Other Facilities: The complex includes eight rugby/football pitches, four netball/tennis courts, and one basketball court. All pitches and courts have floodlights installed.
Parking: The stadium offers parking space for approximately 15,000 vehicles.
Getting There: Visitors can reach the venue by taxi or ride-sharing services from Dubai Metro stations. The stadium provides easy access from most emirates through major road connections.
The Sevens Stadium has hosted cricket events at various levels. English county teams, Pakistan Super League franchises, IPL training camps, and ICC T20 World Cup preparation camps have all used this venue in the past.
Conclusion
The Ireland vs Italy T20I series in UAE 2026 offers cricket fans three exciting matches between European rivals. Ireland will look to maintain their perfect record against Italy. The Italians will aim to prove their T20 World Cup qualification was well deserved.
The Sevens Stadium in Dubai provides an excellent venue for this short series. Fans in the UAE can watch live action under lights. Others can follow along through various streaming platforms available in their regions.
This series serves as important preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Ireland will test their squad depth while Italy gains exposure to high-level T20 cricket. Cricket lovers should mark January 23-26, 2026, on their calendars for this Ireland vs Italy showdown in Dubai.
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