ECB agrees Ireland ODI deal

The England and Wales Cricket Board and the Irish Cricket Union have announced that they have reached agreement for the staging of a one-day international in 2009, a second ODI in 2011 and a third ODI in 2013 between the two sides.

As part of an agreement between the two governing bodies, Ireland will also continue to participate in the England and Wales domestic structure for the foreseeable future.

The two boards have also agreed to ensure the compatibility of television contracts for the two countries moving forward in order to provide income to support the development of the game and to avoid fixture scheduling clashes.

Warren Deutrom, Irish Cricket Union chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have reached an agreement with the ECB moving forward.

“The ECB have been strong supporters of ours for a number of years and it was a logical step to enter into a more formal agreement moving forward.

“Having England play Ireland in 2009, 2011 and 2013 will give the game a huge boost and I am sure our cricketing public will be looking forward to welcoming the England team.”

David Collier, ECB chief executive, commented: “We have a strong relationship with the Irish Cricket Union and we are delighted to have reached this agreement.

“The ODIs with Ireland will create a lot of interest and the participation in our domestic competitions by the Ireland team will help build on the outstanding achievements of the Ireland team in last year's ICC Cricket World Cup.”