Dublin: Cricket Ireland (CI) on Friday announced its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with veteran batsman Paul Stirling set to lead the team for the second consecutive tournament.
Twelve of the 15 players selected were part of Ireland’s squad for the previous T20 World Cup in 2024 in the USA and West Indies.
Reflecting on the team’s preparation and ambitions, Ireland men’s national team coach Andrew Whyte expressed high expectations for the upcoming tournament.
“To say we’re really looking forward to this T20 World Cup is an understatement. After a memorable tournament in 2022, we weren’t at our best in 2024 – we’ve been waiting to rectify that ever since,” White said.
The team also features promising new talent. 22-year-old Tim Tector, a top-order batsman who can bowl off-spin, has taken a place alongside 23-year-old left-arm middle-order batsman Ben Kallitz and left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys.
“The last 18 months have been used to test many different options in terms of tactics, roles and combinations, and we’re excited about where the team is heading into the tournament,” he said.
Of the 15 players who took part in the 2024 campaign, 12 made the squad. But the team was able to add exciting new talent like Tim Tector, Ben Kallitz and Matthew Humphreys.
It is noteworthy that Ireland is in Group B along with Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe.
Their campaign begins on February 8 against Sri Lanka in Colombo, with all their league matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.
“We have been playing quite well in this part of the world in the last few years, so we will plan and prepare thoroughly and be ready for the challenge when the time comes,” he said.
Ireland Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Paul Stirling (C), Lorcan Tucker (VC), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Kallitz, Curtis Camper, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Techtor, Tim Techtor, Ben White and Craig Young.