Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host Ireland in a two-match T20I series scheduled for late January at the Dubai International Stadium. The series will serve as a key tune-up for both teams as they fine-tune their squads ahead of the global spectacle set to begin in February next year, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Both games will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. Ireland have been placed in Group B, where they will lock horns with Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman. The UAE, on the other hand, are slotted into Group D, featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Canada.
"We are delighted that the Emirates Cricket Board has agreed to host and play two T20Is against Ireland at Dubai International Stadium. This series against the UAE will provide part of an exceptional warm-up programme for our players - we hope to announce more fixtures shortly. Our thanks to the ECB and we look forward to playing some competitive cricket in such a prestigious stadium," Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland said.
The first T20I will be played on January 29, while the second game will be held on January 31.