Cricket Ireland and the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) are close to signing an historic agreement involving an annual reciprocal tour programme starting in 2009.
The agreement follows meetings between Paul Campbell, 1st Vice President of JCA and representatives from Cricket Ireland, including Chief Executive, Warren Deutrom, and Chairman David Williams during the recent ICC World Twenty20 Cup qualifying tournament in Belfast.
The first sign of the ambitious sports tourism plan will materialise during the latter part of 2009 when the Irish Senior Men’s Team travels to the Caribbean to participate in a series of matches in Jamaica.
While the focus will be initially on the Mens’ Teams, the Ireland Women’s and under-age teams are also being considered for participation in a series of matches against local teams.
Presently, Jamaica has the largest number of active players in the West Indies team and it has a strong presence at all levels of West Indies cricket.
With this in mind Cricket Ireland believes that matches against Jamaica will provide them valuable opportunities to play against top quality opposition in overseas conditions.
Former West Indies international and current Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity for the players to experience cricket in a different climate and conditions.
'They can only become better players for the experience, and I know how much they will enjoy returning to the scene of their marvellous exploits last year.'
Cricket Ireland Chief Executive, Warren Deutrom added: 'Cricket Ireland believes that reciprocal relations between our two countries will not only assist in our cricketing development, but will also help us renew great friendships created during Ireland's memorable World Cup through the Caribbean last year, above all in Jamaica, when the team tied with Zimbabwe and beat Pakistan on St Patrick's Day to seal its place in the Super Eights.'
