Ireland will travel to the United Arab Emirates in January 2026 for a short but important T20I series. The tour features two T20 Internationals against the UAE at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both matches will take place on January 29 and January 31, 2026. This series will serve as final preparation for both teams before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 Overview
Cricket Ireland and the Emirates Cricket Board confirmed this bilateral series in late 2025. The tour is part of Ireland’s warm-up programme ahead of the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Ireland will arrive in Dubai on January 15, 2026. Before facing the UAE, they will play a three-match T20I series against Italy from January 23 to 26 at The Sevens Stadium. The UAE series follows immediately after, giving Ireland five T20Is in the UAE before the World Cup.
Ireland joined the ICC as a Full Member in 2017. They continue to build their reputation on the world stage. The UAE is one of the top Associate nations and has a strong home T20 record. Both teams want to fine-tune their squads before the global tournament.
Paul Stirling will captain Ireland in this series. He leads a 15-member squad that includes experienced players like Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, and Josh Little. Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland, called this tour an exceptional warm-up programme for the players.
Ireland vs UAE T20I Schedule
Both T20I matches will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Here is the complete match schedule:
| Match | Date | Day | Time (GMT) | Local Time (UAE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 29, 2026 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | January 31, 2026 | Saturday | 6:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
The first match is a day-night fixture under floodlights. The second match starts in the morning, which gives both teams a chance to play in different conditions.
Head-to-Head Record: Ireland vs UAE
The UAE holds a clear edge over Ireland in T20I cricket. These two teams have met 11 times in T20s. The UAE has won 7 matches while Ireland has won 4. This gives the hosts a significant advantage heading into this series.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Ireland | 11 | 4 | 7 |
Ireland will look to change this trend. They have improved their T20 game in recent years. A 39-run victory over Bangladesh in November 2025 showed their capabilities. However, beating UAE at home will not be easy.
Ireland and UAE Squads
Ireland has named a strong 15-member squad for this tour and the T20 World Cup. Paul Stirling will lead the team as captain. Lorcan Tucker is the vice-captain.
Ireland squad includes: Paul Stirling (Captain), Lorcan Tucker (Vice-Captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Ben White, and Craig Young.
Paul Stirling is the 5th highest run-scorer in T20I cricket history with 3,798 runs. Mark Adair ranks 11th among the highest wicket-takers in T20Is with 132 wickets. These two will be key players for Ireland in this series.
Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys are new additions to the squad. They could make their maiden T20 World Cup appearances. This series against UAE gives them a chance to gain experience before the main tournament.
UAE Probable 11 Squad: Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Muhammad Usman, Adnan Mufti, Ghulam Shabber, Ahmed Raza, Amir Hayat, Imran Haider, and Mohammad Naveed.
Note: UAE hasn’t announced their official Squad and playing 11 Yet
Where to Watch Ireland vs UAE Live
Cricket fans can watch the Ireland vs UAE T20I series through several platforms. The broadcast details depend on your region.
FanCode holds streaming rights for Ireland cricket matches in India. Indian fans can watch the series on the FanCode app and website.
FanCode offers different packages, including yearly, monthly, tour pass, and match pass options.
Cricket Ireland’s YouTube Channel will stream the matches.
Fans worldwide can access this free livestream. Check the official Cricket Ireland website for streaming links.
ICC.tv provides live streaming for select international cricket in many regions.
Fans in Europe, the Middle East, and other territories can explore this platform.
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 UAE T20I series have not been fully announced yet. Fans interested in attending the matches should keep an eye on official sources.
The Emirates Cricket Board website will release ticket information closer to the event. The Dubai International Stadium website may also provide booking options for cricket events.
Follow Cricket Ireland and Emirates Cricket Board on social media for ticket updates.
These channels will announce ticket sales and pricing details as they become available.
Venue Details: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Dubai International Cricket Stadium is the main venue for this series. It sits within Dubai Sports City, one of the world’s most modern sporting complexes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 25,000 (Expandable to 30,000 for major events) |
| Signature Feature | “Ring of Fire” lighting system (350 floodlights) |
| Lighting Benefits | 360-degree illumination that eliminates shadows on the field |
| Boundary Dimensions | Square: 80 metersStraight: 65 meters |
| Pitch Characteristics | Balanced; favors batters early and spinners as the ball loses shine |
| Winning Trend | Teams batting first generally have an advantage |
| Facilities | World-class amenities for players, officials, and spectators |
Dubai International Stadium has hosted major cricket events over the years. The IPL 2020 final, 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final and final, Pakistan Super League matches, and International League T20 fixtures have all taken place here.
Conclusion: 2 T20I’s Played at Dubai International Stadium Between Ireland And UAE
The Ireland tour of UAE 2026 offers cricket fans two exciting T20Is between competitive teams. Ireland will look to break UAE’s dominance in head-to-head matches. The UAE will aim to use home advantage and maintain its winning record.
Dubai International Stadium provides an excellent venue for this contest. The world-class facilities and balanced pitch conditions will test both teams. Cricket lovers should mark January 29 and 31 on their calendars for these Ireland vs UAE showdowns.
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