Cricket Ireland confirms hosting India T20 series in Belfast with boosted safety measures

Cricket Ireland (CI) has confirmed on Sunday that the upcoming two-match T20 series against Team India will be hosted at Stormont. The developments come following the anti-immigration violence that erupted in Belfast.

The Ireland tour of India was initially in doubt after a man was left seriously injured after a knife attack in Belfast. The locals staged protests after a video of the incident went viral, which quickly turned violent.

The BCCI were in touch with the Irish authorities following the protests and closely monitored the situation to ensure the safety of the entire travelling contingent.

India-Ireland T20 series to go ahead in Belfast

Cricket Ireland has assured the safety and well-being of players and team staff throughout the series. They have been working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to ensure enhanced security measures to conduct both fixtures safely.

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"The safety and wellbeing 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 satisfied that the appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safe and successful staging of both fixtures," CI said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

CI added that their current assessment did not indicate any threat to the matches, including the "participating teams, officials, spectators or the venue."

"Accordingly, both Ireland v India T20 International matches at Stormont on 26 and 28 June will proceed as planned," Cricket Ireland added.

"We will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies and monitor developments in the lead-up to the fixtures. Supporters attending the matches are encouraged to follow official Cricket Ireland channels for any event updates 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," the statement further said.

Shreyas Iyer, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in focus for Ireland T20s

Team India begins a new era in T20 cricket, with Shreyas Iyer leading the charge as the new skipper. Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who lit up the tri-series final with a blistering 94 off just 29 balls, has earned his maiden India call-up and will be part of the squad.

Additionally, the Men in Blue will play a T20 International match in Belfast for the first time. The team is scheduled to fly to Belfast via London on June 23.

India will face Ireland on June 26 and 28 before heading to England in July for a packed schedule featuring five T20s and three ODIs.