Niall O’Brien warns second-round qualification target ‘non-negotiable’ for Ireland

When Ireland begin their ICC World T20 campaign against Oman on March 9, there may be just a handful of “Blarney Army” supporters in the 23,000-capacity cricket stadium in the Indian city of Dharamsala.

Ireland cricket fans haven’t lost faith in John Bracewell’s team, despite seeing them slip to 16th in the ICC T20 world rankings, below fellow associates Afghanistan, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, following a disappointing World Twenty20 Qualifier campaign on home soil last summer.

But the logistical nightmare of trying to organise flights, tickets, and visas has wearied and beaten even the most ardent supporter.