New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly keeping a close watch on the security situation in Belfast ahead of India’s upcoming T20I series against Ireland, following days of unrest and violent clashes in the Northern Irish city.
According to reports, the BCCI has been placed on “high alert” and is assessing developments after anti-immigration protests in Belfast escalated into violence. India are scheduled to play two T20 Internationals against Ireland cricket team on June 26 and 28 at the Stormont Cricket Ground.
The board is expected to rely on security assessments provided by Cricket Ireland and may discuss alternative arrangements if authorities deem it necessary. Reports suggest that the possibility of moving the matches away from Belfast could be considered should the security situation fail to improve.
The unrest was triggered by a knife attack earlier this week that left a local resident seriously injured. The incident was followed by protests that escalated into clashes in several parts of Belfast, resulting in damaged property, burned vehicles and multiple arrests. Several police officers were also reportedly injured while attempting to restore order.
The disturbances have already impacted cricketing activities in the region. An Inter-Provincial T20 Festival in Lisburn was cancelled, while Cricket Ireland is reviewing whether domestic Irish Senior Cup and National Cup fixtures scheduled for the coming days can proceed as planned.
In an official statement, Cricket Ireland said it is maintaining close contact with authorities and provincial unions while assessing the situation.
“The safety and security of players, coaches, match officials and supporters is paramount in our deliberations,” the governing body said, adding that further updates would be issued as more information becomes available.
The series is expected to attract significant attention as it could mark the beginning of Shreyas Iyer’s tenure as India’s T20I captain. It may also provide an opportunity for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his senior international debut.
For now, both cricket boards continue to monitor developments, with player and spectator safety remaining the top priority ahead of the series.
