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This summer's international schedule will be 'perfect' preparation for the World Cup: Andrew Balbirnie

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie, who was part of 'Season of the Stars' launch by Cricket Ireland in Dublin yesterday, hailed the upcoming summer schedule as a 'perfect' preparation for the World Cup. The hectic summer comprises 15 men's matches and 12 women's internationals.


With India as the world's leading men's T20 side, New Zealand and Afghanistan will also be in Ireland and face off with South Africa in two games in Bristol.


Balbirnie claims that having high-quality T20 cricket going into the World Cup would be working great for them.


"India, New Zealand, South Africa and Afghanistan are perfect prep, and we'll have a good idea of where we are at as a squad and a team going into the World Cup," Balbirnie told the Belfast Telegraph. 


"It will also be great to have spectators back, without restrictions. We have missed them in the last couple of years and even here today, it's great to see people again, to talk in person rather than on computer screens," the Irish international continued. 


Heinrich Malan, the new coach, also attended the launch just a few days after arriving from South Africa and is awaiting the opportunity to watch the inter-pros and a meet up with the contracted players.


"I was with the Wolves in Namibia last month and that was good to have time with a wider squad of players and with the staff. It's a good opportunity to see cricket and get to know the players over the next few weeks," Malan said. 


Women's head coach Ed Joyce and captain Laura Delany graced the event with their presence just hours after returning from a week's camp in La Manga. All 19 squad members attended the camp.


The NCU players have two matches over the weekend, with CIYMS, including new Knights captain Mark Adair, against Waringstown, the stand-out game on Holiday Monday as the club cricket takes centre stage. 


Keith Dudgeon, CI's new overseas professional, was due to fly in last night from South Africa, and the Belmont side will look to bounce back after their shock opening day defeat by Lisburn. Cregagh's first home Premier League game will be against them.

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