T20 World Cup: Ireland beat UAE in opening T20 as World Cup preparations continue

Meanwhile, Richard Holdsworth has announced he is to step down as director of cricket with Cricket Ireland.

Holdsworth first arrived at Cricket Ireland in 2011, spending 13 years as high performance director before taking up the director of cricket role two years ago.

During his tenure, Holdsworth played a key role in building and professionalising Ireland’s elite cricket systems, including overseeing the development and implementation of central player contracts across men’s and women’s programmes.

He was also central in the transition from associate member to a full member of the International Cricket Council in 2017 with Ireland’s men achieving Test status in the same year, while supporting the reintroduction of the domestic men’s inter-provincial series and women’s super series.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together working with a team of outstanding staff,” Holdsworth said.

“From our collective efforts to professionalise structures and support players at the highest level, to seeing Ireland compete with distinction on the global stage — it has been a privilege to be part of this journey.

“Cricket Ireland will soon welcome a new chief executive officer, further marking a transition to the next phase of the organisation’s strategic growth and ambition, and I wish Sarah [Keane, incoming CEO] and the team continued growth and success.”