Ireland Cricket Team: History, Milestones and Profile
Profile of the Ireland men’s cricket team: rise from Associate level, Test status in 2017, famous World Cup wins and the role of Malahide as a home venue.
Ireland’s men’s cricket team represents the whole island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, and is run by Cricket Ireland. Over two decades the side has moved from the margins of the global game to full ICC membership, and several of its World Cup results have become part of cricket folklore.
Rise from Associate level
For many years Ireland were an Associate nation, playing in the lower tiers of international cricket. The team qualified for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, their first appearance in the tournament, and followed this with regular entries into global competitions. The ICC granted Ireland one-day international status in 2006, which gave the team a regular schedule against full members.
Famous World Cup results
The 2007 tournament delivered the first major shock. On St Patrick’s Day in Kingston, Jamaica, Ireland beat Pakistan by three wickets, a result that helped them reach the Super 8 stage. In the same tournament they tied with Zimbabwe.
At the 2011 World Cup, Ireland chased down England’s total of 327 in Bangalore, with Kevin O’Brien scoring a century off 50 balls, which at the time was the fastest in World Cup history. In the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, Ireland beat England by five runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in Melbourne.
Test cricket
Ireland were granted full ICC membership and Test status in June 2017, alongside Afghanistan. Their first Test was against Pakistan at Malahide in May 2018, which they lost narrowly after a spirited performance on debut.
Home and structure
The team’s main home venue is the Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, which has staged international matches in all formats. Cricket in Ireland is played in clubs across the island, with a growing provincial structure that feeds the national side. Cricket Ireland has also invested in a professional domestic setup to help develop players.
This profile covers only well-established history and does not include current squads, captains, coaches, rankings or recent results.
Frequently asked questions
When did Ireland get Test status?
Ireland became a full ICC member with Test status in June 2017 and played their first Test, against Pakistan, in May 2018.
What is Ireland’s most famous World Cup win?
Popular choices are the 2007 win over Pakistan and the 2011 chase against England in Bangalore, where Kevin O’Brien scored a 50-ball century.
Does Ireland represent the whole island?
Yes. The team is an all-island side that includes players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.