The plan was launched by the organisation’s chief executive Warren Deutrom, who also revealed Ireland’s men will take on Hong Kong in two on-day internationals in September of this year.

Ireland is currently an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), meaning they can compete in one-day internationals and also World Twenty20 qualification tournaments but are not eligible to play Test matches, considered the main format of the sport.

Under the strategic plan, they are aiming to elevate the sport to the status the likes of football and rugby enjoy in the nation by playing more matches against fellow ICC member nations.

Ireland’s men are due to face Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, South Africa and Australia in the 50-over format this year.

They earned widespread praise for their performances at the 2015 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and Australia after springing one of the surprises of the tournament by beating the West Indies.

Their women will play six home matches Bangladesh this year, in addition to the seven games already scheduled this summer against South Africa.

Deutrom also said one of the main goals was to remove the elitist tag around cricket by “making it accessible for all”.

This will include further development funds and grants for clubs at grass-roots level in Ireland.

“Our goal of playing Test matches by the end of 2020 needs to be broader and more ambitious - it needs to envision Ireland not just being a major force in cricket, but cricket being a major force in Ireland,” Deutrom said.

“When we think of ‘major’ in Ireland, we think of GAA, rugby and football.

“Well, why not cricket too?

“We need to shift perceptions of cricket as an elitist, exclusive sport to one that is open and accessible to all.

“We need to de-mystify the sport for the Irish public by making it visible, accessible, affordable and inspiring.”

Cricket Ireland’s move comes despite the ICC pressing ahead with plans to cut the amount of teams at the 50-over World Cup from 14 to 19 for the 2019 edition, due to be held in England and Wales.

It has been suggested this limits the opportunities for development for the Associate nations of the ICC.

As well as the unveiling of the strategic plan, which can be viewed in its entirety here, Cricket Ireland also confirmed global conglomerate the KPC Group as the main sponsor of the team.

Sportswear company O’Neills have penned a three-year extension to their kit sponsorship deal, which will see them continue to provide all training and playing attire for the senior men’s, women’s, development, underage, interprovincial squads and umpires.

Cricket Ireland and O’Neills, established in the nation in 1918, revealed plans to set up an online shop where fans can purchase replica kit and other memorabilia.

It is due to officially come online later this month.