Team India received a warm off-field reception in Belfast ahead of the decisive second T20I. The players attended a special gathering hosted by the Consulate General of India, where members of the Indian community got here together to fulfill the squad and extend their best wishes before the crucial match against Ireland.
The Consulate General of India organised the event, with Consul General Kiran Khatri welcoming the players and support staff. Members of the Indian diaspora, together with several notable guests, attended the reception, reflecting the deep bond between cricket and overseas Indian communities.
India are currently in Ireland for the two-match T20I series and can return to motion in the ultimate game on the Civil Service Cricket Club on Sunday.
“Sport stays one in every of the warmest bridges between our peoples. Wishing the Men in Blue the absolute best!” CGI Belfast posted on X.
BCCI also posted photos from the reception on social media, captioning the post:
“A night of heat, camaraderie and the Indian spirit in Belfast. The Consulate General of India in Belfast (@CGIBelfast) welcomed #TeamIndia at a special reception hosted by Ms Kiran Khatri, Consul General of India. Joined by members of the Indian community and distinguished guests, the occasion reflected the enduring appeal of cricket in bringing people closer.”
A night of heat, camaraderie and the Indian spirit in Belfast. 🇮🇳
The Consulate General of India in Belfast (@CGIBelfast) welcomed #TeamIndia at a special reception hosted by Ms Kiran Khatri, Consul General of India. Joined by members of the Indian community and… pic.twitter.com/ckzyjOTI3B
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 28, 2026
Team India reached the Indian Consulate in Belfast for dinner ahead of the 2nd T20I against Ireland. ❤️
– Taking a look at everyone’s faces, it seems they’re absolutely ravenous! 😄 pic.twitter.com/ofZAYP77o8
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) June 28, 2026
Belfast City Hall Shines In India’s Tricolour
To have fun India team’s return after three years, Belfast City Hall was illuminated in the colors of the Indian tricolour. The special tribute marked the team’s arrival and reflected cricket’s growing fanbase, together with the strong bond between India and the Indian community in Northern Ireland.
India last visited Ireland in 2023, while their earlier trip to Belfast dates back to 2007, once they defeated Ireland by nine wickets in an ODI.
Series Opener Ends In Shock As Ireland Beat India
Although the off-field welcome was special, India didn’t deliver within the opening T20I. Ireland scripted history by securing their maiden win over India in any format, claiming a dominant 34-run victory in Belfast. It also marked Ireland’s first-ever overcome the reigning T20 world champions.
Captain Lorcan Tucker starred with an important half-century, guiding Ireland to a difficult total of 182/9 in 20 overs. In response, India’s star-studded batting unit never found momentum in the course of the chase and were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs, sealing a memorable win for the hosts.
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