Ireland to become first-ever Full Member nation to visit and play Oman

The quadrangular T20I series will be hosted in Oman at the beginning of February, with it also featuring Scotland and the Netherlands, and serving as preparation for their matches against Afghanistan

Ireland will be the first-ever Full Member nation to compete in and against Oman when they take part in a quadrangular T20I series in 2019.

The other nations besides Ireland and Oman will be Scotland and the Netherlands, with the series slated to begin in early February.

The matches will act as preparation for their series against Afghanistan in India. The two sides will contest three T20s, along with five ODIs and a single Test at the end of February.

VOTE IN OUR END-OF-YEAR AWARDS

Cricket Ireland have also increased the number of domestic matches played during 2018 to assist in the preparation for that series.

The Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, Richard Holdsworth explained: “The recommendation of a phased approach to expanding the domestic game has been approved.

"This will ensure we can build the number of playing days for our top and emerging talent, while not diluting the quality and competitiveness of the first-class structure.

"There is general consensus that more playing days are required, so in 2019 we will be adding another IP50 round to increase 50-over fixtures by 50%. The Board will consider further the T20 format at its February meeting.”