Is India vs Ireland Free Live Telecast of 1st T20I 2026 Available on DD Sports?

Cricket enthusiasts in India hoping for a free live telecast of the 1st T20I between India and Ireland on DD Sports today, June 26, will be eleated. The Indian government's public service broadcaster, DD Sports, has confirmed it will provide a free live telecast of India’s opening T20 International (T20I) match against Ireland on Friday, 26 June. The highly anticipated fixture marks the beginning of India's short two-match series in Belfast. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Attends Maiden Practice Session With Team India Ahead of IND vs IRE 1st T20I 2026 (Watch Video).

The highly anticipated IND vs IRE 1st T20I 2026 match of the two-T20 International series is set to begin at 6:00 PM IST (1:30 PM BST local time) at the Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast. This clash marks India's return to T20I action for the first time since successfully defending their T20 World Cup title earlier this year.

  Is India vs Ireland Free Live Telecast of 1st T20I 2026 Available on DD Sports?

Cricket fans in India can watch the live broadcast for free exclusively on DD Sports. However, this free-to-air telecast is legally restricted to DD Free Dish and other terrestrial network users. Viewers subscribing to commercial cable or Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms will not find the match on the standard DD Sports channel.

For viewers utilizing paid satellite networks, the Sony Sports Network holds the official television broadcast rights for the tour. The match is available across multiple regional channels, including Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 3 and Ten 4. Digital audiences can access the live stream through the subscription-based SonyLIV application and website. Where to Watch India vs Ireland 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast in India.

Team News and Series Context

India enters the series as the top-ranked men's T20 team, while Ireland stands at No. 12. The series also heralds a new era for the Indian T20 side, with Shreyas Iyer taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav, who was dropped from the squad after leading India to the T20 World Cup title in March. Tilak Varma steps in as the new vice-captain, taking over from Axar Patel.

All eyes will be on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has received his maiden senior call-up and could potentially become the youngest Indian player to debut in international cricket. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, born March 27, 2011, would be 15 years and 91 days old on June 26, 2026. Other new faces in the Indian squad include Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge, who replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy. Ireland will also feature a new skipper in Lorcan Tucker. Belfast Weather and Rain Forecast for IND vs IRE 1st T20I 2026.

Head-to-Head T20I Record

India maintains a flawless record against Ireland in the shortest format, having won all eight of their previous T20 International encounters. Their last meeting was during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India secured an eight-wicket victory.

The two-match T20I series provides a crucial opportunity for both sides to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum as they look ahead to future assignments. With India's strong record against Ireland, the visitors will be keen to extend their dominance, while the hosts will aim to spring a surprise on home soil.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 05:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).