Ireland players during their home series against Pakistan in May 2024 (x.com)
Ireland cricket players have agreed to new contract offers from Cricket Ireland. Earlier this month, a group of Ireland men’s team players had refused to renew central contracts prior to their home series against Pakistan. At one stage, several reports even indicated that the Irish cricket team might well have to feature in next month’s T20 World Cup 2024 with expired contracts.
Cricket Ireland confirms players’ contract acceptance
As reported by RTE Sport on May 16, Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom has confirmed that both men’s and women’s teams have accepted the new contract offers as presented by the Irish cricket governing body.
Earlier this month, the Irish players had rejected the central contract because they reportedly wanted a hike in salary. According to the Irish Times, the players even sought the help of Irish Cricketers’ Association to negotiate with Cricket Ireland on their behalf.
Cricket Ireland is already going through several financial constraints as they recently had to cancel series against Australia and Zimbabwe owing to lack of funding and logistical issues. Moreover, the cricket board also shifted their impending home series against South Africa to UAE.
The Irish men’s cricket team recently hosted Pakistan in a three-match T20I series. After stunning the ‘Men in Green’ in the opening game, the visitors won the final two matches to seal the series by a 2-1 margin.
Ireland men’s players will soon depart for USA and West Indies for next month’s T20 World Cup 2024. Under the leadership of Paul Stirling, they will be commencing their campaign with a match against India on June 5 in New York.