CRICKET:Cricket Ireland has begun the process of appointing a coach and an administrator to each of the three inter-provincial sides ahead of the return of the competition this summer.

The planning towards a first-class cricket competition in Ireland is one of the prerequisites required in the elevation to Test-playing status, a goal Cricket Ireland has set for 2020.

The three inter-provincial sides – Leinster Lightning, Northern Knights and the North West Warriors – will play 27 days of cricket throughout the summer in three-day, one-day and Twenty20 formats.

The coaching positions are open to those with an ECB Level 2 standard or equivalent from a Full Member country and will be offered on a consultancy basis.

The funding for the positions comes from the ICC’s Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme, which is aimed at helping Ireland achieve Test status.