Development of Irish cricket

Good news has come out of Ireland with a huge spike in the number of participants in the game. According to this ICC article, the overall participation figure is up to around 40,000 - a 60% increase since Ireland's World Cup feats of two years ago. This really is great news and shows that Irish cricket is developing really well at the grassroots level. As Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland stated, Ireland does have a goal to be a test nation by 2020, and this recent surge in playing number is a significant step along the way to this objective.

The provisional squads have been released for the three teams competing in the Inter-provincial series. Leinster Lightning on paper seem to have the strongest squad with a significant number of players having represented the national side before. Current player and former Ireland skipper Trent Johnston has been announced as player-coach. Johnston has said he wants to coach in the future, and this appointment is a sign that his transition from player to coach is one step closer.

ICC article: http://www.icc-cricket.com/newsdetails.php?newsId=23291_1365581040

Cricket Europe articles about Inter-provincial series
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000030/003079.shtml
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000031/003106.shtml
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000031/003102.shtml
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000030/003092.shtml