Cricket: Cricket Ireland and the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) have agreed in principle to a reciprocal annual tour with Ireland due to visit the Caribbean Island next autumn before they in turn play host in 2010.
The notion was first mooted during the cricket World Cup in the West Indies last year before representatives from both associations agreed to the tour during last month's ICC Twenty20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Belfast. Paul Campbell, JCA vice president and Cricket Ireland chief executive, Warren Deutrom, plus chairman David Williams met at Stormont.
"The plan is to bring the men's Irish senior team to the Caribbean, most likely in November next year, to play a series of matches in Jamaica. In future it is hoped Ireland also will be able to bring the womens and underage teams on the tour," explained a spokesperson for Cricket Ireland.
Exact dates for the tour have yet to be confirmed, while the format of matches also needs to be finalised. It is envisaged Ireland would play a number of one-day and 20 over matches against the Jamaicans. In 2010 it is hoped Jamaica will tour Ireland some time in May or June.
Jamaica currently has the largest number of active players in the West Indies team and continues to hold a strong presence at all levels in West Indies cricket. The matches against Jamaica would provide Ireland the opportunity to play against top quality opposition in overseas conditions.
Former West Indies international and current Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the players to experience cricket in a different climate and conditions. They can only become better players for the experience, and I know how much they will enjoy returning to the scene of their marvellous exploits last year (at the World Cup)."
"Cricket Ireland believes that reciprocal relations between our two countries will not only assist in our cricketing development, but will also help us renew great friendships created during Ireland's memorable World Cup through the Caribbean last year, above all in Jamaica, when the team tied with Zimbabwe and beat Pakistan on St Patrick's Day to seal its place in the Super Eights," added Deutrom.
Ireland recently finished a successful summer campaign - albeit through wet conditions on occasions - where they recorded 10 straight wins. Highpoints included the successful defence of their European title, plus qualifying for next year's Twenty20 World Cup in England.
When the agreement is finalised, it will be the first time Cricket Ireland and the JCA have entered a partnership in cricket, which opens other avenues for the development of sport generally in both countries.