In a path-breaking move (cause we hope this one becomes an annual thing with more to join in the future to make it a proper Cricket Euro Cup), KNCB (Netherlands Cricket Board) have announced a T20I Tri-series involving Ireland and Scotland in Jun 2018.
The matches will also provide KNCB the opportunity to look at their ground facilities as they get ready to host ICC Women’s WorldT20 Global Qualifiers in Jun 2018 and the 3-group, 18-nation European sub-regional Qualifiers for Men’s WorldT20 a few months later.
Scotland thus have few more International playing days added to their calendar following the solitary ODI with England and two T20I’s against Pakistan. It also gives all the three teams to make up crucial points in the MRF T20I Team rankings as the top 10 at the end of 31st Dec 2018 will automatically qualify for ICC WorldT20 in 2020.
While Ireland recently concluded their maiden men’s test against Pakistan, Netherlands and Scotland players have been involved in domestic competitions at home.
T20I Tri-Series Schedule:
12th June – Netherlands v Ireland, VOC Rotterdam
13th June – Netherlands v Ireland, VOC Rotterdam
16th June – Ireland v Scotland, Salland, Deventer
17th June – Ireland v Scotland, Salland, Deventer
19th June – Netherlands v Scotland, VRA, Amstelveen
20th June – Netherlands v Scotland, VRA, Amstelveen
All the three coaches (Graham Ford, Ryan Campbell and Grant Bradburn) welcomed the initiative that will provide much required game-time for their national squad members. To read their thoughts, click here.