In representative terms, next year will be the busiest season ever for Ireland's cricketers, with matches scheduled against South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia A and participation in the Benson & Hedges Cup, the Triple Crown, the European Cup and the Emerald Cup, a new quadrangular tournament.

And the Ireland under-19 squad will journey to South Africa for the Youth World Cup, next January. Bangladesh will play six matches on their tour, in addition to their games in the Emerald Cup. The MCC and Scotland will also participate in the new competition.

Because of the heavy fixture list, the Senior Interprovincial Championship will be revised for one year only.