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Team India are set to tour Ireland for a two-match T20I series, but the country is currently facing massive unrest after a controversial stabbing case. Major protests and fiery riots have been reported in Northern Ireland, and while there have been peaceful protests for the enforcement of anti-immigration laws, there have also been instances where police have had to use water cannons and other measures to control the crowd.
The protests and riots sparked after a 30-year-old Sudanese asylum seeker injured and blinded a local man in a knife attack.
In the more extreme cases, up to 300 protesters have burned down cars, trucks, and shops near Belfast, which will also host both T20Is against India, on June 26 and 28. According to reports, 16 arrests have been made, with up to 12 police officers sustaining injuries while trying to contain the protesters.
Cricket Ireland issued a statement where it was mentioned that a decision regarding the upcoming local fixtures will be taken over the next couple of days. It remains to be seen whether the ongoing riots will affect the home series against India, which is crucial for the cricketing board from a financial point of view.
“Amid the ongoing unrest, 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 statement read.
“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 statement continued.
There has been some degree of concern among Indians living in the region. The community, although not the specific target in the ongoing protests, have been subjected to racist attacks in the past.
Team India to tour England as well after their T20I series in Ireland
Upon the culmination of the T20Is against Ireland, the Men in Blue will head to England, where anti-immigration protests have been equally prominent in the recent past. Team India will feature in fiveT20Is and three ODIs, from July 1 onwards.
Team India have toured Ireland thrice, with the first one being in 2018. They have won all three T20I tours by a 2-0 margin.
Edited by Gokul Nair
