Ireland will play Italy in three T20 internationals next month as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup.

The games will take place at the Sevens Stadium on the outskirts of Dubai on the 23rd, 25th and 26th of January.

It's the start of five games in eight days against Associate opposition, with Heinrich Malan's side facing the UAE in two matches at the Dubai International Stadium on January 29th and 31st.

Ireland have only played Italy twice in T20 matches, beating them in 2012 by two wickets and in 2023 by just seven runs.

Following the five matches, Ireland will then travel to Sri Lanka where they will play Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman as part of Group B in the T20 World Cup.

FIXTURES

23 January 2026: Ireland v Italy – 1st T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 10am)
25 January 2026: Ireland v Italy – 2nd T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 10am)
26 January 2026: Ireland  v Italy – 3rd T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 6pm)
29 January 2025: Ireland v UAE – 1st T20I (Dubai International Stadium; starts 6pm)
31 January 2025: Ireland v UAE – 2nd T20I (Dubai International Stadium; starts 10am)