5 fascinating ways India & Ireland have been linked when it comes to cricket

Tanaz Buhariwalla, Director IDA Ireland, India

India and Ireland share a long standing bond across history, education, trade & business, literature and in a small way – cricket!!

On the eve of the India – Ireland cricket match being played today and on Friday, I share some intriguing facts for all cricket fans:

Reunited on Irish soil after 2007

It will be the first time that the sides will meet on Irish soil since they played an ODI in Belfast in Northern Ireland, back in 2007

The first game between Ireland & India was back in 1936

The first game between Ireland and India was played on 9th, 10th and 11th July, 1936 at College Park, Dublin. That time, things didn’t quite go Ireland’s way – the home team lost by ten wickets!!

Ireland team comprises of a Punjab-born off-spinner on their team

Ireland has named Punjab-born off-spinner Simranjit 'Simi' Singh in their 14-member squad for the two-match Twenty20 International series against India.    

Fastest century for an Irish cricketer was in India

Irish cricketer Kevin O’Brien holds the record for the fastest century in a World Cup and that was held on Indian soil in 2011.

And the one fact I find most fascinating!

The ‘Maharaja of Connemara’ – Test Cricketer who played for the English Cricket team 
In 1924 Prince Ranjitsinhji became the first head of state to visit the Irish Free State. During his visit he travelled to Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, County Galway and fell in love with the county and the local people. He promptly bought Ballynahinch Castle and became the unofficial ‘Maharaja of Connemara’