ICU Media Release

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Tuesday 13 June 2006 will be yet another historic occasion for Irish cricket for Ireland will play its first ever full One Day International and to add to the history the opponents will be England, another first.

At present we can confirm that the match will be played here in Ireland but with regards to the venue there are on going discussions with the International Cricket Council, England & Wales Cricket Board and the Irish Cricket Union.

On the announcement Peter Thompson, Chief Executive of the Irish Cricket Union, commented “This is a major boost for Irish Cricket both in the context of the team and our supporters. It shows how much the Irish team has progressed over the last three years and reward for reaching the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 and winning the Intercontinental Cup in Namibia, last month”.

He added “A match against England, our nearest Test Nation has long been the desire of everyone associated with cricket in Ireland and with the success of the current English team the match on 13th June will certainly be an occasion not too be missed. What also is pleasing is that Ireland’s first full ODI will be played at home and provide our numerous members, supporters and commercial partners with a major sporting event to attend and long may this continue.”

More details on the fixture will be announced over the forthcoming months on conclusion of the current discussions.