Cricket Ireland confirms India T20Is in Belfast amid enhanced security measures

Cricket Ireland (CI) has confirmed that the two T20Is between Ireland and India will go ahead at Stormont, as scheduled, on June 26 and 28. The confirmation follows a detailed security assessment in Belfast. CI engaged with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) following recent civil disturbances.

"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," CI said.

The current assessment does not indicate any specific threat to the matches, teams, officials, spectators or the venue. CI has received intelligence suggesting no plans for protests or demonstrations that could affect either match day.

A CI statement added: "We will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies and monitor developments. Supporters are encouraged to follow official Cricket Ireland channels for updates and to allow additional travel time. We look forward to welcoming fans for what promises to be a memorable celebration of international cricket."

India usually play at Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, but this will not be their first visit to Belfast. In 2007, they played three ODIs against South Africa and one against Ireland. More recently, India have played six T20Is in Dublin – winning all six.

For the first time, India will play T20Is in Belfast. The big talking point is whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – who smashed 94 in the tri-series final for India A in Dambulla, including the fastest List A half-century – will feature. Should that happen, it would mark his India debut.

Stormont has a capacity of 4,200, far lower than what an India series could attract.

The Indian squad is scheduled to fly to Belfast via London on June 23, with players and staff travelling from Mumbai and Chennai.