Ireland confirm India-South Africa goes ahead

The Irish Cricket Union has confirmed that the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, at Stormont, will take place as planned following Nimbus's move to televise the matches. After a series of meetings they decided the playing opportunities for Ireland - matches against both sides - and exposure for the game made the event worthwhile proceeding with.

There had been doubts over the staging of the games following the termination of the contract between the BCCI and Zee TV. However, the ICU has now been formally contacted by the BCCI informing them that Nimbus have stepped in to broadcast the series

The ICU met on Friday morning to discuss the events of the past two days, to determine if the event was still commercially viable, given that they were forced to take ticket sales off-line during the period of uncertainty.

The fact that crucial deadlines were missed for both weekly and monthly publications was taken into consideration, particularly with the games only three weeks away. A concerted marketing campaign will now be put in place to make up for lost time.

"I would ask that the Irish cricket community, both North and South, really support these games, and get behind this initiative," said Warren Deutrom, the ICU chief executive. "Some of the greatest players in the world will be on show, and it's a wonderful opportunity for the cricketing public in Ireland, and beyond, to see these stars in action. It is in the interests of all the cricketing family in Ireland that this event is a success."

Ireland's two matches will take place on June 23 and 24 with the three South Africa-India matches being played on June 26, 29 and July 1.