Stormont test match hailed as major boost for cricket’s future in Belfast

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Bryan O’Donnell, President, Cricket Ireland and Sarah Keane, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket Ireland at day one of the Ireland v New Zealand test match at Stormont.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said the future of cricket in Northern Ireland is “bright” as Belfast hosted a major international test match between Ireland and New Zealand at Stormont.

The match marks only the second ever men’s test hosted at the famous east Belfast ground and the first time New Zealand have travelled to the city for a test fixture — another significant moment in the rapid growth of cricket across Northern Ireland.

With thousands of fans expected through the gates across the multi-day fixture, the event also places Belfast firmly back into the conversation around hosting world-class international sport ahead of the proposed 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Stormont hosting growing number of major fixtures

Speaking during the opening day of the match, Minister Lyons welcomed the visiting New Zealand side and praised the continued development of Stormont as an international cricket venue.

“I welcome the New Zealand team to Belfast and hope they enjoy a very warm reception,” he said.

“The Ireland team have a tough task as they take on one of the very best teams in world cricket but I wish them every success.

“It is fantastic that Stormont is hosting its second test match in just two years and points to a bright future for local cricket.”

The test match is another milestone for the historic Stormont ground, which has undergone major redevelopment in recent years to bring it up to international standards.

International fixtures are increasingly seen as important not only for sport, but also for tourism, hospitality, and Belfast’s wider profile on the global stage.

2030 World Cup ambition remains in focus

Minister Lyons also linked the fixture to wider ambitions surrounding the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which Ireland hopes to help host alongside England and Scotland.

“With the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, I will continue working with partners to ensure Northern Ireland, and Belfast, plays a key role in delivering this prestigious global tournament,” he said.

The prospect of World Cup cricket being played in Belfast would represent one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in Northern Ireland and could bring major economic and tourism benefits to the region.

Large-scale international tournaments are increasingly viewed as opportunities to attract visitors, showcase the city internationally, and encourage greater participation in sport at grassroots level.

Praise for work behind the scenes at Stormont

The Minister also paid tribute to those responsible for preparing the venue and securing the fixture.

“I congratulate the Stormont Pavilion ground staff, the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) and Cricket Ireland on securing this match and developing such an outstanding international venue,” he added.

Sarah Keane, chief executive of Cricket Ireland, said continued investment in cricket facilities would help grow the sport and strengthen communities across Ireland.

“We are delighted with the support of Minister Lyons for cricket across Northern Ireland, and in their willingness to work with the Irish government on improving facilities that will sustain and grow the game for years to come,” she said.

“Given cricket is a very welcoming and highly inclusive sport in Ireland, an investment in cricket is indeed an investment in strengthening communities, in particular, creating cross-cultural experiences and a greater sense of shared values.”

The match comes amid continued efforts to grow cricket participation across Northern Ireland, with increased interest in the sport among younger players and more diverse communities in recent years.

Hosting elite international fixtures at Stormont is also expected to inspire the next generation of local players by bringing world-class cricket directly to Belfast audiences.