St. John's (Antigua), Dec 21 (IANS/CMC): Defending World T20 Champions West Indies will face Ireland in two T20 Internationals at Sabina Park, Jamaica in February, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has announced.

The two teams will also meet in a One-Day International also at the same venue.

“We are delighted to welcome the Irish team to play against our Windies in this upcoming series,” said Richard Pybus, the WICB’s Director of Cricket, Friday.

“It will be a great opportunity for the squad to get quality preparation ahead of the visit by England and before they head off to defend the ICC World T20 title which they won so spectacularly back in October 2012."

“It will also signal the start of the international season in the West Indies and it promises to be a bumper year of cricket for the fans here in the Caribbean,” said Pybus.

“The Windies will have several assignments and we foresee some tough and exciting cricket as we look to build and move up the ICC rankings in all three formats.”

Following the series West Indies will play three ODIs against England at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua (Feb 28, March 2 and 5) and three T20s at Kensington Oval in Barbados (March 9, 11 and 13).

West Indies vs Ireland

At Sabina Park, Jamaica
Wednesday, Feb 19: 1st T20 International
Friday, Feb 21: 2nd T20 International

Sunday, Feb 23: One-Day International

West Indies vs England
Tuesday, Feb 25: England v Vice Chancellor's XI (Venue TBC)
At Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds, Antigua
Friday, Feb 28: 1st One-Day International
Sunday, March 2: 2nd One-Day International
Wednesday, March 5: 3rd One-Day International
Kensington Oval, Barbados
Sunday, March 9: 1st T20 International
Tuesday, March 11: 2nd T20 International
Thursday, March 13: 3rd T20 International