Cricket Ireland has confirmed plans to develop a new national cricket stadium west Dublin, just months after the country secured Test status on the international stage.

The national governing body has chosen Dublin’s National Sports Campus as the location for the venue.

The move is part of a strategy to meet the requirements of future international and domestic first-class cricket in Ireland.

Ireland was given full membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in June 2017, becoming the 12th nation eligible to play full Test matches.

Being a Test nation means more demands will be placed on the country’s ability to host games throughout the season.

Warren Deutrom, chief executive of Cricket Ireland, said: “We are beginning to understand more and more the implications and obligations of becoming an ICC Full Member.

“We anticipate that the new Future Tours Programme will be finalised by the ICC in April this year.

“It is likely to involve the senior men alone playing about 60 home matches over the next five seasons. That number doesn’t include women’s or youth international matches, men’s Inter-Provincial and women’s Super 3’s matches, major club finals or any future fixtures/competitions we might develop or host.

“What has become abundantly clear to the board is that this dramatic increase in our home schedule means that we will need to share the load beyond our four existing international-standard grounds around Ireland.”

Cricket Ireland will now begin the process of securing the land and putting together concrete plans for the stadium.

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