Cricket Ireland has officially revealed its 15-player squad that will carry the nation's hopes in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The announcement, made on January 9, 2026, confirms the experienced opening batter, Paul Stirling, as the team's captain for the prestigious global tournament.
Stirling Takes the Helm for World Cup Campaign
The selection sees a significant leadership change, with Paul Stirling stepping into the captaincy role. He takes over from Andrew Balbirnie, who led the side in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. Stirling, a veteran of Irish cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the leadership position, having been a cornerstone of the national team's batting lineup for over a decade. His aggressive style at the top of the order and his understanding of the game's shortest format make him a strategic choice to guide the team.
The squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising talent, aiming to make a deep run in the competition. Alongside Stirling, former captain Andrew Balbirnie retains his place in the squad, offering solidity and experience in the middle order. The team will rely heavily on its core group of all-rounders and bowlers to challenge the world's best.
Complete Squad and Key Player Roles
The full 15-member Ireland squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is as follows: Paul Stirling (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Craig Young, Neil Rock, Benjamin White, Fionn Hand, and Ross Adair.
Key players to watch include the pace duo of Joshua Little and Mark Adair, who will be crucial in the powerplay and death overs. All-rounders like Curtis Campher and George Dockrell provide vital balance, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. The wicket-keeping duties will be shared between the dynamic Lorcan Tucker and Neil Rock, offering flexibility in the team composition.
Road Ahead and Expectations
This announcement sets the stage for Ireland's preparations for the World Cup. The team will be looking to build on its past performances in ICC events and aim to progress beyond the group stages. The selection reflects a clear strategy to combine power-hitting at the top with versatile all-round capabilities and a varied bowling attack.
The appointment of Paul Stirling as captain marks a new chapter for Irish T20 cricket. His leadership, combined with the squad's collective skill, will be tested against the top cricketing nations. Fans will be eager to see if this mix can create an upset and advance further than any previous Irish team in a T20 World Cup.
