Ex-Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter becomes Team India's manager for T20I tour to England, Ireland

In a big administrative appointment, former Karnataka wicketkeeper-batsman Avinash Vaidya has been named the Indian team manager for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England. The national team's white-ball assignment is set to begin in Belfast with two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28. Immediately following this tour, the contingent will head to England for a high-profile, five-match T20I series scheduled between July 1 and July 11.

Avinash Vaidya is Team India's manager for T20I tour to Ireland, England

The 59-year-old Vaidya is well-equipped for the high-pressure role, boasting an extensive background in top-tier cricket administration. His resume includes notable managerial stints with prominent Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, specifically the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. In addition to his new national assignment, he continues to serve as an active member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) Managing Committee, working alongside former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad.

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Vaidya’s deep understanding of the game is rooted in a highly successful domestic playing career. He was a vital cog in the powerhouse Karnataka teams of the 1990s, helping the state secure multiple Ranji Trophy titles during a golden era for local cricket. Over his years on the field, the accomplished gloveman also earned selections for prestigious representative teams, including India A, the Board President’s XI, and South Zone across various marquee tournaments.

BCCI on high alert ahead of Ireland tour

In another news, BCCI is reportedly on high alert as India’s upcoming tour of Ireland faces potential logistical hurdles due to ongoing anti-immigrant unrest in Belfast. Reportedly, the Indian board is closely observing the volatile security updates coming out of the city. To guarantee the absolute safety of the players and support staff, the BCCI is keeping communication channels open with Cricket Ireland to discuss moving the matches out of the troubled area if conditions fail to stabilize.

The current itinerary schedules the two-match T20I series to take place on June 26 and 28 at the Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast. While the fixtures remain unchanged for now, the BCCI is relying significantly on the local assessments provided by Cricket Ireland. The Indian board remains highly receptive to alternative venue proposals or dynamic logistical shifts should the host board deem the current location too risky.

The wave of violence in Belfast was ignited earlier in the week following a severe knife attack on a local resident. The incident triggered widespread anti-immigration protests that rapidly degenerated into violent riots across several neighborhoods, resulting in torched vehicles, damaged public property, and targeted local businesses. Law enforcement has launched a major operation to control the situation, which has already seen multiple arrests and several police injuries over consecutive nights of tension.

Local cricket operations have already felt the impact of the ongoing civil unrest, raising concerns for the international fixtures ahead. Safety worries forced the cancellation of the Inter-Provincial T20 Festival in Lisburn earlier this week. Additionally, Cricket Ireland is currently working against a 48-hour deadline to determine whether domestic matches for the Irish Senior Cup and National Cup, originally set to begin on June 14, can safely move forward.