Ireland announce 15-member squad for 2026 T20 World Cup; Paul Stirling will direct

January 9, 2026, Cricket Ireland officially announced its 15-member team for the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026which will be co-hosted by India And Sri Lanka from February 7. Veteran opening Paul Stirling was retained as captain to lead the ‘Men in Green’ in their ninth appearance at the showpiece event, with wicketkeeper-batsman Lorcan Tucker appointed his deputy.

The selection shows a clear commitment to stability, as 12 of the 15 players from the 2024 campaign have retained their places. National selector André Blanc expressed strong optimism, stating that the team expected to rectify their 2024 performance and would enter a highly competitive Group B, which includes hosts Sri Lanka and powerhouse Sri Lanka. Australiawithout fear.

Experience meets youth: New faces in Ireland’s 15-man squad

While the core of the team remains stable, the 2026 squad includes three exciting new additions who have earned their first World Cup call-ups thanks to consistent domestic form. Tim Tectorthe 22-year-old brother of the star hitter Harry Tectorjoins the ranks as a top-class all-rounder and off-spinner option. He is joined by 23 year olds Ben Calitza left-handed middle-order specialist, and Matthew Humphreysa nifty left-arm spinner.

Coach Andrew White noted that these players “add an additional dynamic nature to the playing group” as the team seeks to balance the expertise of veterans and the energy of youth. In particular, getting back into shape Ross Adair returns to the team after recovering from a knee injury, but there was no room for the former captain Andrew Balbirnie in the final list.

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Group B roadmap: Ireland’s high-stakes schedule in Sri Lanka

Ireland was placed in Group Bundoubtedly one of the most difficult groups of the tournament, alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Oman And Zimbabwe. All of Ireland’s group stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, starting with a high-voltage opening match against the hosts on February 8 in Colombo.

After the opening match, the Irish will face a formidable Australian team on February 11, followed by crucial encounters against Oman and Zimbabwe which will likely determine their fate in the Super 8s. To prepare for the sub-continental conditions, the team is expected to travel to Dubai on January 15 for a T20I warm-up series against Italy and the United Arab Emiratesensuring they are “match ready” for the unique and friendly tracks at Premadasa and Kandy Stadiums.

Full 15-member Ireland squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

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