DUBLIN – Cricket Ireland on Tuesday announced a 4-game T20I Series against Scotland Women in May 2021 to be held at Stormont. It will be the 1st home women’s international series since May 2019, and the 1st women’s international scheduled at Stormont since 1997.

The much-awaited return to international Cricket for Ireland Women comes after a string of series and tour cancellations last year which also included two scheduled series against Scotland. However, with 2 world cup qualifying campaigns all set for 2021, Ed Joyce, Ireland Women head coach is keen to have as many international cricket games as possible over the upcoming months.

“It goes without saying that we’re pleased to see this series given the green light – with a T20 World Cup Qualifier set for August and a 50-over World Cup Qualifier in December, we need to play as much competitive cricket this year as we can.”

“The Scots will be a good challenge, and ICC ranking points will be on the line, so we’re very much gearing up for a competitive series. It will also be fantastic to see the Ireland Women’s international team play at Stormont for the first time since 1997,” said Joyce. 

“The players' application and attitude over the last frustrating 18-20 months has been amazing, so this series is a welcome relief to the group. In addition, we’re also hopeful of having a full and varied fixture list for the team before both sets of qualifiers later this year.”

Ireland Women’s skipper Laura Delany said: “I’m absolutely delighted at the prospect of wearing the Irish shirt again. It’s been some time since we’ve played an international game so we’re definitely looking forward to getting back out there. We have worked hard over the winter period, now we need games to assess where we are at.”

“It’s important for the development and growth of the women’s game that our fixtures are spread across the country. To play at Stormont will not only be a fantastic experience for the players, but will be a boost for the women’s game in Northern Ireland.”

“Despite the disappointments of 2020, I know the squad are looking forward to the Scotland series with great anticipation and hopefully this is the first of a good block of fixtures in the lead up to the qualifiers.”

IRELAND WOMEN – Scotland Series – 2021

23 May: Ireland Women v Scotland Women, 1st T20I (Stormont)

24 May: Ireland Women v Scotland Women, 2nd T20I (Stormont)

26 May: Ireland Women v Scotland Women, 3rd T20I (Stormont)

27 May: Ireland Women v Scotland Women, 4th T20I (Stormont)