Challenges and opportunities: the future of cricket in Ireland

As an enthusiastic sporting nation, Ireland boasts a wide variety of both Gaelic and global games played at both a local and international level.

When you think of sport in Ireland, cricket may not be the first game that comes to mind. Instead, you may find yourself thinking of things like Gaelic football, rugby, hurling, and even boxing.

However, cricket boasts both a huge following and an enthusiastic player base across the island of Ireland, with teams competing at both a local and international level.

Many people on the island even like to try their luck betting on big games. You can see the list bookmakers of the most popular on cricket by MightyTips.

With a lengthy history and a huge following, cricket is one game that should not be overlooked on the Emerald Isle. Today, we’re diving into the future of cricket in Ireland.

A brief history of cricket in Ireland – some background

Cricket has been played in Ireland since 1792 when the Military of Ireland and the Gentlemen of Ireland competed against one another in Phoenix Park. Just over half a century later, in 1850, cricket had grown to become one of the most widely played games on the island.

However, this sharp uptake in the game did not continue throughout the latter half of the 19th century. By 1900, cricket’s popularity in Ireland had fallen due to outside factors such as violence and politics taking place across the country.

Cricket also had a strong affiliation with England. So, at this time, there was a large uptake in the Gaelic Games among Ireland’s working classes, who used the games as a rallying point against their cricket-playing landlords.

The game continued to decline in popularity throughout the 20th century. However, recent years have seen a steady uptake in cricket playing and support across the island, and the future of cricket in Ireland is looking bright.

Cricket in Ireland today – one of the country’s most popular sports

The Irish Cricket Union was formed 100 years ago in 1923, bringing the first instance of organised cricket in Ireland. The organisation brought together a national team, which arranged games against the Scots and English teams.

Organised fixtures for Ireland’s national cricket team began in 1980 with their entry to the English Gillette Cup. However, Ireland didn’t really begin to make its mark on the international cricket scene until the early 2000s. It was 2004 before the team managed to win a match in the English Gillette Cup.

In 2001, Ireland enjoyed improved success in the Cricket World Cup, finishing eighth among the Associated and 18th overall. Then, in 2007, they finished first Associate and tenth in the world overall.

Ireland’s global success in cricket continued throughout the 2010s, with the success in the 2007 World Cup going far to brighten the future of cricket in Ireland and increase the sport’s support and popularity across the island.

Continued popularity over the past two decades – hopes for the future of cricket in Ireland

Until 2017, Ireland was an associate member of the International Cricket Council. The national team played in tournaments like the World Cricket League and ICC Intercontinental Cup.

However, with the team’s increased success bringing attention to Ireland, domestic cricket was recognised as first-class cricket for the first time in 2017. That same year, the men’s national team was granted Full Membership (Test Status) for the first time.

While Ireland’s national team has enjoyed increased success in recent years, the team has faced many challenges with losing players to larger and higher-paying teams such as England.

Domestic cricket – an increased focus in the game

In 2013, the Inter-Provincial Series (‘Interpros’) series was introduced as part of Cricket Ireland’s strategy to gain Test Status. The Series is made up of teams representing their respective counties who then compete in the three-day Interprovincial Championship.

Club cricket in Ireland is also organised on a provincial basis. One of the biggest tournaments in this league is the All-Ireland T20 Cup, the national club T20 competition started in 2017.

This tournament brings together the best T20 teams in club cricket across the provinces. The winner of each of the four Provincial Unions’ T20 club competition then play off in a four-team knockout format to declare the winner.

Cricket has experienced a rocky history in Ireland up until this point, impacted by social and economic circumstances.

However, as we move further into the 21st century, the game is seeing a huge revival across the country, and the future of cricket in Ireland is looking bright.