Ireland Confidently Announce T20 World Cup 2026 Squad as Paul Stirling Retains Captaincy
Ireland have officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with experienced opener Paul Stirling set to captain the side for yet another global tournament. Wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker has been named vice-captain.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, beginning on February 7, 2026, and Ireland will be aiming to better their recent performances on the world stage.
Paul Stirling Continues as Captain
Ireland’s most prolific T20I run-scorer, Paul Stirling remains central to the team’s plans. His leadership, experience, and consistency at the top of the order have been vital for Ireland across formats.
Lorcan Tucker, one of Ireland’s most dependable performers in recent years, will serve as Stirling’s deputy. Tucker’s dual role as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper gives the side both tactical flexibility and on-field calm.
Ireland Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Squad:
Paul Stirling (C)
Mark Adair
Ross Adair
Ben Calitz
Curtis Campher
Gareth Delany
George Dockrell
Matthew Humphreys
Josh Little
Barry McCarthy
Harry Tector
Tim Tector
Lorcan Tucker (WK, VC)
Ben White
Craig Young
Notably, 12 of the 15 players featured in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, ensuring continuity and experience. New inclusions Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys add fresh energy to a settled core.
Ireland’s T20 World Cup Pedigree
The 2026 tournament will mark Ireland’s ninth appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Their best performances came in 2009 and 2022, when they progressed to the second round and famously defeated former champions West Indies and England respectively.
Those victories remain defining moments in Ireland’s T20 history and serve as reminders of their ability to challenge elite teams on the biggest stage.
Selectors Confident of a Stronger Campaign
Ireland’s National Men’s selector Andrew White expressed optimism about the squad’s prospects, while acknowledging the disappointment of their 2024 campaign.
White also underlined the importance of experience and preparation, particularly given the conditions in the subcontinent.
Group B: A Tough Challenge Awaits
Team have been placed in Group B, alongside:
Sri Lanka (hosts)
Australia
Oman
Zimbabwe
It is one of the most competitive groups in the tournament, featuring former world champions and experienced associate sides.
Preparation in Subcontinent Conditions
Ireland’s preparation has been aided by frequent tours and matches in Asia over recent years. The team will also play warm-up T20Is against Italy and the UAE before the tournament, helping them acclimatise to conditions.
“We have played a fair bit in this part of the world in the last few years, so we will be in a good position to plan and prepare thoroughly,” White added.
Ireland’s Group Stage Fixtures
Ireland will begin their campaign in Colombo before travelling across Sri Lanka for their remaining matches.
Group Stage Schedule:
February 8, 2026: vs Sri Lanka
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – 7:00 PM ISTFebruary 11, 2026: vs Australia
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – 3:00 PM ISTFebruary 14, 2026: vs Oman
Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo – 11:00 AM ISTFebruary 17, 2026: vs Zimbabwe
Pallekele – 3:00 PM IST
Key Strengths and Expectations
squad blends:
Proven top-order power (Stirling, Harry Tector)
Versatile all-rounders (Campher, Delany, Dockrell)
A varied bowling attack (Little, Adair, McCarthy, White)
Subcontinental adaptability
The presence of experienced campaigners alongside emerging talent as a dangerous opponent capable of springing surprises.
Conclusion
Led by the evergreen Paul Stirling, Ireland head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with clarity, experience, and renewed hunger. While Group B presents a stern test, Ireland’s history in the tournament proves they thrive when underestimated.
Written By The Cricket Show:
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