Ireland clash goes all-ticket

Andrew Strauss - one of the England stars set to feature in Belfast © Getty Images

England's visit to Belfast this summer to play Ireland in an official one-day international will be an all-ticket match and promises to be the most historic ever staged in the emerald isle.

It will be the first meeting between the two countries in what will be Ireland's inaugural ICC one-day International following their qualification for the World Cup finals in the West Indies and England's Ashes heroes are sure to be given a warm welcome.

The Irish Cricket Union expects a huge demand for the 6,000 tickets when England come to Stormont on Tuesday, June 13 and priority is being given to Ireland Cricket Union members and people who apply for new membership of the Irish Union.

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Members and new member applicants will be given the option of buying tickets between February 1 and February 28 after which they will go on sale to the general public,

Special seating will be provided for what's expected to be a capacity crowd and tickets have been priced at £35 / €50, with concessionary rates of £20 / €30 for ICU members and £20 / €30 for under 16s.

All ticketing arrangements are available on the ICU website or by ringing the ICU on 00353 1 625 1170 and there will also be details of special hospitality packages for individuals and companies.

The game is being supported by the Northern Ireland Events Company and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland and the Irish Cricket Union is also inviting inquiries from potential match sponsors.

The chairman of the Irish Cricket Union, Joe Doherty, described the game as "the most attractive prospect in the history of the Union."

He said : "We all know about the fantastic appeal of the Ashes last summer and I have no doubt the visit of England will be one of the highlights of the entire local sporting calendar this year.

"There has been a terrific surge in the interest of cricket but in allocating the tickets we want to keep faith with members who have supported us in less glamorous times.

"We are also encouraging others to become members and, if they do, there are many benefits given Ireland's busy and attractive commitments now that we have ODI status."