BCCI On 'High Alert' On Belfast Attacks, India-Ireland Series Might Be Moved: Report

BCCI monitors Belfast unrest before India tour, may shift T20Is vs Ireland .

With India set to tour Ireland in two weeks, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly on ‘high alert’ over the allegedly anti-immigrant violence in Belfast violence. According to Dainik Jagran, the board is closely monitoring the security situation in Ireland after days of unrest in the city and is prepared to discuss with Cricket Ireland the possibility of moving the matches out of Belfast.

India are scheduled to play two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28, with both matches set to be held at Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast. The report said the BCCI will rely on Cricket Ireland’s assessment of the situation and would consider any proposals regarding the venue or conduct of the matches if required.

The unrest in Belfast was triggered by a knife attack earlier this week that left a resident with severe injuries. The incident subsequently sparked what are being termed as anti-immigration protests that escalated into violent clashes in several parts of the city.

Vehicles were set on fire, public property was damaged, and businesses were targeted as police launched a major operation to restore order. Multiple arrests have been made, while several police officers were injured during consecutive nights of disorder.

Impact on cricket

The situation has already affected cricket in the region. The Inter-Provincial T20 Festival in Lisburn was called off, while Cricket Ireland is set to decide within the next 48 hours whether domestic Irish Senior Cup and National Cup fixtures scheduled from June 14 can proceed.

Cricket Ireland acknowledged the concerns in an official statement and said it was maintaining constant communication with authorities.

“Cricket Ireland is continuing to monitor the situation in areas currently experiencing community unrest and will make a decision within the next 48 hours regarding this Sunday’s Irish Senior Cup and National Cup fixtures.

“We remain in close consultation with the relevant authorities and our provincial unions. The safety and security of players, coaches, match officials, and supporters is paramount in our deliberations. Further updates will be provided as they become available."

The T20I series is expected to mark the beginning of Shreyas Iyer’s stint as India’s T20I captain and could also provide the stage for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-awaited senior international debut.

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