Ireland playing for high stakes

“The biggest game in Ireland’s cricket history,” is what Niall O’Brien calls tomorrow night’s shoot-out with Pakistan for a quarter-final berth. 

There are plenty who agree. And it can be said with certainty that a victory would make it the most lucrative day in Ireland’s cricketing history. Should Ireland win, they will be guaranteed $300,000 (€286,000).

But the benefits to Irish cricket would go far deeper than a windfall. Cricket Ireland are searching for a new long-term sponsor – they have a short-term deal with Tourism Ireland for the World Cup – and a last eight place would provide further clout in negotiations.