Amid a leadership change in their T20 setup, Ireland are set for a marquee home assignment as they prepare to host World Champions India for two-match T20I series in June 2026.

The series, confirmed by Ireland’s director of high performance Graham West and later through social media, comes at a crucial juncture for the hosts following Paul Stirling stepping down as T20 captain. The transition is aimed at giving the incoming skipper enough runway to shape the side ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028.

Both the matches are pencilled in to be played at Stormont in Belfast with the first T20I to be played on 26 June & second T20I on 28 June 2026.

Speaking in a press release, West said, “With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June.”

The visit by the reigning world champions is expected to be Ireland’s biggest international engagement of the summer, offering a significant test for a side entering a new phase.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet made an official announcement regarding the tour.

While the detailed schedule is yet to be finalised, the series is likely to serve as a preparatory leg ahead of India’s white-ball tour of England. Notably, the fixtures were not part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, making this a late but high-profile addition to the calendar.

As Ireland begin usher in a new chapter in T20 cricket, a home series against one of the game’s powerhouses could offer the perfect stage to map their journey for the 2028 edition.