If you think cricket in Ireland has taken a backseat, think again. The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a big one, with the Ireland vs West Indies series bringing some long-awaited energy back to local grounds. Across May and June, both teams are set for a close-fought face-off: three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) lighting up Dublin and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) heating up Belfast.
The action kicked off at The Village in Dublin, and it didn’t take long for drama to unfold. Ireland looked sharp right from the start, especially in the opening ODI on May 21. Fans had plenty to cheer about as Andrew Balbirnie delivered a performance that set a strong tone for the series. Smashing runs and showing real control at the crease, he propelled Ireland to a 124-run win and picked up the Player of the Match title without much debate. The Village is quickly gaining a reputation as a fortress for the Irish side, with local support making a noticeable impact.
The ODI contests continue in the Irish capital with matches slated for May 23 and May 25, promising more high-octane play before teams shift their focus and form to the shorter T20 format a couple of weeks later.
Cricket fans in Belfast are in for a treat once the T20 series rolls around in mid-June at the Civil Service Cricket Club. These quickfire games, scheduled for June 12, 14, and 15, are bound to draw big crowds and attention from across the cricketing world. West Indies, known for their explosive one-day players, have plenty of incentive to even the score after the early ODI setback. Irish players, on the other hand, will be looking to keep riding their momentum while dealing with a squad just as comfortable with white-ball fireworks.
This isn’t just another international engagement for either team. It’s a chance for both Ireland and West Indies to test their squad depth before a busy global calendar. Balbirnie’s form makes him a go-to player to watch, but there are eager eyes on emerging names from both camps looking to stake their claim before bigger international showdowns later in the year.
All six matches in this tour have added weight, with both associations hinting at more regular international contests in the future. From rising stars trying to impress selectors, to experienced heads taking charge in pressure moments, every ball bowled in Dublin and Belfast carries a bit more significance this year. And you get the feeling that local fans will turn up rain or shine, especially with the summer cricket buzz that’s growing louder by the day.
Written by Lara Whitfield
View all posts by: Lara Whitfield