Ireland and Italy will face each other in a historic three-match T20I series in Dubai in January 2026. Cricket Ireland and the Federazione Cricket Italiana have jointly announced this bilateral series. The matches will take place on January 23, 25, and 26, 2026. All three games will happen at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
This series marks a historic moment for Italian cricket. It will be Italy’s first-ever three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member nation. Both teams share a common goal with this tour. They want to build match fitness before heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Ireland vs Italy In UAE 2026 T20I: Overview
The series will feature three T20 International matches. Ireland, an ICC Full Member since June 2017, will be the favorite. Italy qualified for their first-ever T20 World Cup by finishing in the top two of the Europe Regional Final in July 2025. They beat Scotland to secure their historic qualification.
This series is of great importance to both teams. Ireland finds itself in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman. They will play all their group matches in Sri Lanka. Italy landed in Group C with England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They will play their matches in India.
The head-to-head record between these two sides is limited. They have played only one T20I against each other. That match took place in Edinburgh in July 2023 during the T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier. Ireland won that game by 7 runs. Curtis Campher scored 61 runs and took 1 wicket to earn the Player of the Match award. The two teams also played a Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi back in 2012, which Ireland won by 2 wickets.
Ireland vs Italy In UAE 2026 T20I: Complete Schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the Ireland vs Italy T20I series in the UAE 2026:
| Match | Date | Time (Local & GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM (2:00 PM GMT) | Sevens Stadium, Dubai |
| 2nd T20I | January 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM (2:00 PM GMT) | Sevens Stadium, Dubai |
| 3rd T20I | January 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM (2:00 PM GMT) | Sevens Stadium, Dubai |
Ireland vs Italy Squads
Ireland: Ross-adair, Benjamin Calitz, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Paul Stirling (Captain), Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Benjamin White
Italy: Italy has not announced its squad yet
Venues & Pitches Info: Sevens Stadium, Dubai
The Sevens Stadium serves as the venue for all three matches of this series. Located at the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road and Jebel Ali-Lahbab Road, this multi-purpose stadium hosts various sports. The facility features six cricket pitches, including three natural grass ovals and three subkha ovals. Two of the grass ovals have floodlights for night matches.
The Sevens Stadium has hosted several cricket events in the past. English county teams, Pakistan Super League sides, and IPL training camps have used this venue. The Emirates Cricket Board also uses this ground for local competitions. The stadium offers international-standard facilities for players and officials. All pitches come with floodlights, making day-night matches possible.
Ireland vs Italy Head-to-Head in T20I
Ireland and Italy have faced each other only once in T20I cricket so far. Their only meeting came in Edinburgh in July 2023 during the T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier, where Ireland won the match by 7 runs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 1 |
| Ireland Won | 1 |
| Italy Won | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Last Meeting | July 2023 (Edinburgh) |
| Last Result | Ireland won by 7 runs |
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Conclusion: Ireland vs Italy In UAE Will Take Place On January 23
The Ireland vs Italy series in the UAE 2026 promises exciting cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup. Both teams will use these matches to fine-tune their squads. Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland, said the series will help players adjust to hot conditions after coming from the Irish winter.
Maria Lorena Haz Paz, President of Federazione Cricket Italiana, called this series historic for Italian cricket. Italy aims to gain valuable experience before its maiden World Cup appearance. Ireland will look to dominate based on their superior experience. After this series, Ireland will face the UAE in two more T20Is from January 29. Cricket fans should mark these dates on their calendar. This series offers a preview of what both teams can bring to the World Cup stage.
