[WATCH]- Team India Receives Warm Welcome In Belfast Before Must-Win T20I Against Ireland

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 came together to meet 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, along 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 will return to action in the final game at the Civil Service Cricket Club on Sunday.

“Sport remains one of the warmest bridges between our peoples. Wishing the Men in Blue the very best!” CGI Belfast posted on X.

BCCI also posted photos from the reception on social media, captioning the post:

“An evening of warmth, 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.”

An evening of warmth, 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. ❤️

– Looking at everyone's faces, it seems they're absolutely starving! 😄 pic.twitter.com/ofZAYP77o8

— Jara (@JARA_Memer) June 28, 2026

Belfast City Hall Shines In India’s Tricolour

To celebrate India team’s return after three years, Belfast City Hall was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour. The special tribute marked the team’s arrival and reflected cricket’s growing fanbase, along 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, when 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 failed to deliver in 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 triumph over the reigning T20 world champions.

Captain Lorcan Tucker starred with a crucial half-century, guiding Ireland to a challenging total of 182/9 in 20 overs. In response, India’s star-studded batting unit never found momentum during the chase and were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs, sealing a memorable win for the hosts.

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