India Vs Ireland: All Tickets For First Two Matches Sold Out
After all tickets for the first two T20 Internationals were sold out, Cricket Ireland realised that the Indian team's global appeal provides financial clout to young cricket boards.
"The first and second Men's T20 Internationals between Ireland and India are now sold out, with the third match selling quickly," Cricket Ireland said on their website.
All matches will be played at 'The Village' Malahide Cricket Club Ground, which has a capacity of 11,500 people.
India has won all five T20Is against Ireland since the MS Dhoni-led side defeated them by eight wickets in a World Twenty20 group match in England in 2009.
Ireland then hosted Team India twice in a two-match T20I series in 2018 and 2022, both at the same stadium in Dublin.
Want to make an impression: Lorcan Tucker
Lorcan Tucker, the wicketkeeper-batter for the Paul Stirling-led team, said they are aware of the tremendous task before of them but are anxious to make an impression.
"Malahide generates a special feeling, especially when a big team comes to town," Tucker was cited on Cricket Ireland's website as saying.
"We know India has a lot of support, but to have such a large crowd -- it's fantastic for cricket in Ireland," he continued.
"The team has a lot of experience with bigger games." We've competed in World Cups and have previously faced India. We know what it's like to be in these high-pressure situations."
Tucker knows what India brings to the table.
"They are the highlight of the summer for Irish fans." We just want to make a good impression, keep calm, and play confidently. That will be our key philosophy moving ahead."
"There's been a lot of cricket this year." We've been well prepared, particularly in T20 cricket. We've just come off a good run in Scotland, where we qualified for next year's World Cup, so I think everyone's delighted," he continued.
The series will witness the return of pace leader Jasprit Bumrah, who will lead India after a one-year injury layoff.
Bumrah has been out with a recurring back issue since India's home series against Australia in September last year in preparation for the T20 World Cup.
Bumrah will captain a second-string team, with opener Ruturaj Gaikwad serving as his deputy.
India lost their most recent T20I series against the West Indies in the Caribbean and the United States, falling 3-1.
"We had two great games against India last summer, and I think everyone is looking forward to the big buildup and the exciting crowd this time." "They'll come with that energy, and it'll be fantastic," Tucker said.
The 26-year-old is coming off a 93-ball 133 in Lightning's Inter-Provincial Cup win over North West Warriors on Monday.
"It was good to be out there for a long time and figure out some quirks that hadn't been quite right all summer." "Getting that kind of energy and excitement going into that big series is brilliant," he remarked.