Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s potential India debut gets green signal after Cricket Ireland’s big decision | Cricket News
Cricket Ireland (CI) has confirmed that the upcoming two-match T20I series against India will be played as scheduled at Stormont in Belfast on June 26 and 28, following an extensive review of the security situation in the city.The confirmation comes after civil disturbances were reported in Belfast earlier this month. In response, Cricket Ireland has worked closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other relevant authorities to assess any potential risks surrounding the fixtures. “The safety and well-being of everyone involved in the series remains our highest priority. We continue to work closely with the PSNI, venue management and security partners, and are pleased that the appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safe and successful staging of both attractions,” CI said.According to the current assessment, there is no specific threat to the matches, participating teams, match officials, spectators or places. Cricket Ireland also said it has received intelligence indicating that no protests or demonstrations are planned to disrupt any games.“Accordingly, the two Ireland v India T20 International matches at Stormont on June 26 and 28 will proceed as planned,” CI said.The governing body added that it will remain in continuous contact with all the relevant agencies in the procedure of the series.“We will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies and monitor developments in the lead-up to the matches. Supporters attending the matches are encouraged to follow Cricket Ireland’s official channels for any updates on the event and to allow additional travel time where necessary. We look forward to welcoming fans from Ireland, India and around the world to Belfast for what promises to be a memorable celebration of international cricket.”“While India have regularly played limited-overs cricket in Dublin in recent years, this will mark their return to Belfast after almost two decades. Their previous visit to Stormont came in 2007, when they featured in three ODIs against South Africa and one against Ireland.India’s most recent tours of Ireland have all been based in Dublin, where they have played and won six T20Is on visits in 2018, 2022 and 2023.This year’s series will also see India play T20 Internationals in Belfast for the first time. Much of the attention ahead of the tour is focused on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who lit up the tri-series final in Dambulla with a stunning 94 and recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket. If he featured in every match, it would mark his senior India debut.The 15-year-old’s rising profile has already made him one of the biggest draws on the tour, with broadcasters heavily promoting the Ireland series and India’s subsequent fixtures in England around the youngster.Stormont has a capacity of about 4,200 seats, a modest figure considering India’s strong command in the world. The Indian team is scheduled to travel to Belfast via London on June 23, with players and support staff coming from various locations, including Mumbai and Chennai.
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