Cricket on 9th January 2026 Ireland officially announced the upcoming 15-member team ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026will co-host India and Sri Lanka Starting February 7. Veteran opening Paul Stirling retained as captain to guide the ‘Green Men’ to their ninth appearance in the marquee event with a wicketkeeper-batsman Lorcan Tucker Deputy was appointed.
The selection shows a clear commitment to stability, as 12 of the 15 players from the 2024 campaign have retained their place. National Selector Andrew White expressed strong optimism that the team expects to improve on their performance in 2024 and enter a highly competitive Group B that includes hosts and powerhouse Sri Lanka. Australia‘without fear’.
Experience meets youth: Fresh faces in Ireland’s 15-man squad
While the core of the squad has been decided, the 2026 squad has three exciting new additions who have earned their first World Cup call-ups with back-to-back domestic form. Tim Tectorthe 22-year-old brother of the star batter Harry Tectorjoins the ranks as a versatile top-order option and off-spinner. He is joined by 23-year-old teenagers Ben Kalitzleft-handed middle specialist and Matthew Humphreyswily left arm spinner.
Selector Andrew White noted that the team is trying to balance veteran acumen with youthful energy as these players “add a more dynamic character to the playing group”. In particular, readjustment Ross Adair After recovering from a knee injury, he returns to the team, although there was no place for the former captain. Andrew Balbirnie in the last list.
Group B road map: Ireland’s high-stakes schedule in Sri Lanka
Ireland was placed Group Bundoubtedly one of the toughest pools in the tournament Australia, Sri Lanka, Oman and Zimbabwe. All of Ireland’s group stage games will be played in Sri Lanka, starting with a high-pressure opener against the hosts in Colombo on February 8.
After the opening game, the Irish face a formidable Australian team on February 11, followed by crucial matches against Oman and Zimbabwe that will decide the fate of the Super 8s. The team is scheduled to leave for Dubai on January 15 to prepare for subcontinental conditions. Italy and UAEensuring that their Premadasa and Kandy stadiums are ‘match ready’ for their unique spin-friendly tracks.
Full 15 man squad for Ireland T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Stirling (c) | Opening dough |
| Lorcan Tucker (vc) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Mark Adair | Bowler / All-rounder |
| Ross Adair | Dough |
| Ben Kalitz | Dough |
| Curtis Camphor | Comprehensive |
| Gareth Delaney | Comprehensive |
| George Dockrell | Comprehensive |
| Matthew Humphreys | Bowler (Left arm spin) |
| Josh Little | Bowler (Left arm fast) |
| Barry McCarthy | Bowler |
| Harry Tector | Dough |
| Tim Tector | Dough / All-rounder |
| Ben White | Bowler (Leg Spin) |
| Craig Young | Bowler |
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