Cricket Ireland has unveiled Toyota as its new Official Automotive Partner in a multi-year partnership aimed at supporting the sport from the elite level through to grassroots.
The agreement, announced today, will see Toyota support both the Irish men’s and women’s senior international teams, as well as invest in community and youth cricket across the country.
The announcement comes as Ireland prepares to host the West Indies in a one-day international and T20 series, with Toyota branding set to feature on the national team kits for the first time tomorrow at Clontarf Cricket Club.
The move is part of Toyota’s wider ‘Mobility For All’ vision, which aims to make sport more accessible and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
As part of the partnership, Toyota also becomes the official partner of Smash It—a fun and inclusive cricket programme for children aged five to nine.
The initiative introduces young players to the game through play-based learning, with a focus on building basic skills and teamwork.
This year, the programme aims to reach 1,400 children across Ireland, with Toyota funding over 200 bursaries to ensure access for children from lower-income families.
Further incentivising participation, Toyota will offer all Smash It participants a free ticket for themselves and an accompanying adult to attend an Ireland international match, reinforcing the bond between young fans and the national teams.
This summer, Ireland’s men’s side hosts both West Indies and England, while the women’s team will take on Zimbabwe and Pakistan.
Toyota is also preparing to launch its successful Good For Cricket prize draw in Great Britain and Northern Ireland this year, with an expansion into the Republic of Ireland planned for 2026.
The initiative, which has raised millions for grassroots cricket in Australia, allows local clubs to sell digital tickets for a chance to win one of over 50 prizes—including new Toyota cars.
All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the clubs, helping them invest in vital equipment and facilities.
Scott Thompson, President and Managing Director at Toyota (GB), said the partnership reflects the company’s belief in using sport to foster community and inclusivity.
“Through our partnership with Cricket Ireland, we can help support and inspire the current and next generation of players, volunteers, and fans,” he said. “Mobility is at the heart of what we do, and this collaboration helps connect people through sport.”
“We’re proud to be a 100% Irish-owned company supporting cricket at all levels,” added Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland.
“This is about more than sport—it’s about building inclusive communities and giving young people the opportunity to thrive.”
“We are delighted to partner with such an iconic global brand as Toyota, and we are greatly appreciative to both Scott and Steve, and their teams for their commitment to grow participation, accessibility and the profile of cricket across Ireland,” said Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland CEO.
“Last year we launched an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and the principles and values outlined in that plan are at the heart of this partnership with Toyota.”
“What is particularly exciting about this programme is the potential it offers for the future of the game on the island of Ireland as Toyota looks to expand the opportunities in 2026. Our Strategic Plan sets out our vision to attract more investment and resources to strengthen grassroots cricket, and this partnership helps to exactly deliver on that vision.”
“We look forward to working with Toyota over the coming years and to seeing tangible and positive outcomes for our sport.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out Sport for Business coverage of Cricket
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
A global sport and a global brand, tailored for Ireland and the growth of the sport across the island.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The first of the summer matches takes place in Clontarf tomorrow against the West Indies. Let’s just hope for more dry days and sunshine.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Cricket Ireland is among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community, which includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Get the full benefit of a Sport for Business membership by joining us at one of our upcoming events, where sporting and business leadership come together.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.