Plan aims to make cricket a 'major sport' in Ireland

Ireland's Freya Sargent celebrates taking a catch in the T20 series against Sri Lanka earlier this month

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom believes its new strategic plan will help boost the sport's profile on the island and make it a "major nation" on the world stage.

The plan for 2024-2027 includes building a new national stadium in Dublin, enhancing the role of inter-provincial cricket and increasing participation in the game.

"This plan sets us on the path to achieving our vision of becoming a major sport in Ireland and a major nation in cricket," said Deutrom.

"We've made significant progress as a country. The next phase is ensuring cricket is a sport that welcomes and unites players, fans, spectators, and the wider community to deliver the best outcomes, achieve the highest performance standards and inspire a love of the game across Ireland."

Ireland is building towards staging the T20 Men’s World Cup in six years' time as co-hosts and making the sport available to all.

"As co-hosts of the T20 Men’s World Cup in 2030, we look forward to welcoming the world’s top teams on the sport’s biggest global stage. We are also delighted that cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympic Games.

“We are determined to set new standards and lead the way in inclusion in Irish sport. We've made considerable strides in women’s and girls’ cricket, being only the second sport in Ireland to offer professional contracts, and we have more work to do. Our focus is on levelling access and equality."