Emerald Challenge (Ireland) 2025/26

The **Emerald Challenge** operates as an interim domestic first-class cricket competition in Ireland, established in 2024 by Cricket Ireland. It functions as the top-tier red-ball fixture within the Irish cricket pyramid, primarily serving as a high-performance preparation tool for the national team ahead of Test matches. This structure addresses the absence of a permanent domestic first-class league in the country.

Unlike the traditional Inter-Provincial Cup and Trophy, which feature four provincial unions, this competition utilises two representative squads: the Strikers and the Raiders. These teams are selected from the best Irish talent across all provinces rather than being tied to specific geographical entities. Consequently, there is no promotion or relegation, as the participants are not club or provincial entities.

The format of the tournament has shifted over its brief history. The inaugural 2024 edition consisted of a single four-day first-class match that concluded in a draw. The 2025 season transitioned to a three-match white-ball series, a contest won by the Strikers. The competition returned to a single four-day first-class match for its 2026 iteration, where the Strikers secured victory by six wickets.

Cricket Ireland describes the event as a flexible, interim solution while the governing body develops a sustainable long-term domestic first-class structure. This approach distinguishes the competition from the previous Inter-Provincial Championship, which ran from 2019 and featured provincial teams with a different domestic league status. The Strikers remain the most successful team, having claimed the titles in both 2025 and 2026.