In a significant step toward their ninth appearance at the global showpiece, Ireland has officially unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament represents a vital opportunity for the Men in Green to re-establish themselves as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.
Paul Stirling to Lead Experienced Core
Veteran opener and the nation’s highest run-getter in T20I history, Paul Stirling, will once again captain the side. Stirling, who remains one of the most prolific boundary-hitters in world cricket, brings a wealth of experience to a squad that leans heavily on continuity. Supporting him in the leadership group is the dependable wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker, who has been named vice-captain.
The selection committee has opted for stability, retaining 12 players who featured in the 2024 edition of the tournament. This core includes established stars such as the pace duo of Josh Little and Mark Adair, all-rounder George Dockrell, and the hard-hitting Harry Tector. By maintaining this seasoned nucleus, Ireland aims to leverage the chemistry and big-match experience built over several years on the international circuit.
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Fresh Faces and New Dynamics
While experience is the hallmark of the 2026 roster, the squad also introduces exciting new talent. The inclusion of Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys signals a forward-looking approach by the selectors. National Men’s Selector Andrew White noted that these additions are intended to provide a “dynamic nature” to the playing group. Tim Tector, in particular, joins his brother Harry in the squad, continuing a strong family legacy in Irish cricket. These fresh faces have been integrated following consistent performances at the domestic level and during recent bilateral assignments.
Redemption on the Horizon
The upcoming World Cup is viewed as a chance for redemption following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Andrew White expressed the team’s eagerness to rectify past performances, recalling the highs of the 2022 tournament where Ireland famously defeated former champions England and the West Indies to reach the second round.
“To say we are very much looking forward to this T20 World Cup is an understatement,” White remarked during the announcement. He emphasized that while the team is placed in a “highly competitive group” alongside hosts Sri Lanka and powerhouses Australia, they will approach the challenge with “no fear.” The selection chief also highlighted that the team’s recent experience playing in the subcontinent would serve as a crucial advantage in their preparation.
Group Stage and Preparation Path
Ireland finds itself in Group B, a challenging pool that will see them face off against Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe. Their campaign is scheduled to begin on February 8, 2026, with a high-stakes encounter against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
To ensure the squad is battle-hardened before the main event, Ireland has organized a rigorous preparation schedule. The team will travel to Dubai in late January for a three-match T20I series against Italy, followed by two T20I matches against the UAE. These fixtures, along with an official warm-up match against Zimbabwe on February 5, are designed to help the players acclimatize to the conditions and fine-tune their strategies before the tournament officially gets underway.
Ireland’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
The 15-man squad consists of Paul Stirling (Captain), Lorcan Tucker (Vice-Captain/Wicketkeeper), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Ben White, and Craig Young.
As the countdown to February begins, the Irish side looks to blend its historic resilience with fresh energy, hoping to once again play the role of “giant killers” on the world stage.