INDIA’S TWO T20 GAMES in Ireland are in doubt following anti-immigration violence in Belfast. The BCCI is reportedly concerned about the unrest, and the matches, scheduled for June 26 and 28, could be moved out of Northern Ireland’s capital if necessary.
The violence began after a knife attack left a man seriously injured in Belfast, with protests turning violent and targeting ethnic minorities. Authorities deployed water cannon to control the situation. India is scheduled to tour England for five T20Is and three ODIs in July, following the Ireland leg.
The BCCI is in regular contact with Irish authorities and monitoring the situation, according to Dainik Jagran. Player and support staff safety is the board’s priority, with any replacement venue to be decided by Cricket Ireland. Cricket Ireland has confirmed it is in touch with security officials over the violence.
Cricket Ireland said, “Cricket Ireland is continuing to monitor the situation in areas currently experiencing community unrest and will make a decision within the next 48 hours regarding this Sunday’s Irish Senior Cup and National Cup fixtures. We remain in close consultation with the relevant authorities and our provincial unions. The safety and security of players, coaches, match officials, and supporters is paramount in our deliberations. Further updates will be provided as they become available.”
The Ireland series is set to be Shreyas Iyer’s first as India’s T20 captain, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in line to make his international debut.
