Ireland have locked in their plans for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, announcing a 15-member squad led once again by their most experienced campaigner, Paul Stirling. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Ireland set to begin their campaign in Colombo next month.
Stirling, Ireland’s highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, will captain the side in what will be the country’s ninth appearance at the global event. Wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker has been named vice-captain, underlining his growing leadership role within the group.
Squad continuity with a few fresh faces
Ireland have largely backed continuity, with 12 players from the previous T20 World Cup retaining their places. However, the selectors have also injected fresh energy into the squad, handing World Cup berths to Tim Tector, Ben Calitz and Matthew Humphreys.
The selected squad reflects Ireland’s preference for balance — combining experience at the top with pace options and multi-dimensional all-rounders capable of adapting to subcontinent conditions.
Ireland squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White, Craig Young
Learning from 2024, targeting improvement in 2026
Ireland National Men’s selector Andrew White admitted the side is eager to make amends after an underwhelming 2024 campaign and believes the current group is better prepared for the challenge ahead.
“To say we are very much looking forward to this T20 World Cup is an understatement,” White said.
“After a memorable 2022 tournament, we probably weren’t at our best in 2024 – and have been waiting to rectify that ever since.”
White also expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, particularly with Ireland having played regularly in Asian conditions over the past few years.
“There is no doubt we are in a highly competitive group, which includes playing the tournament hosts, but we will go into these matches with no fear,” he added.
Tough Group B challenge awaits
Ireland have been drawn into Group B, alongside Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe — a demanding line-up that leaves little margin for error. Their campaign begins against hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, a venue known for testing spinners and disciplined batting units.
Before the tournament, Ireland will also face Italy and the UAE in warm-up fixtures, giving the squad valuable match practice ahead of the high-pressure group stage.
Ireland’s group stage fixtures – T20 World Cup 2026
- February 8: vs Sri Lanka, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (7:00 PM IST)
- February 11: vs Australia, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (3:00 PM IST)
- February 14: vs Oman, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo (11:00 AM IST)
- February 17: vs Zimbabwe, Pallekele (3:00 PM IST)
History offers hope
Ireland’s best T20 World Cup performances came in 2009 and 2022, when they advanced to the second round and famously defeated former champions West Indies and England. With Stirling once again leading from the front and a core group entering their peak years, Ireland will be hoping to script another memorable chapter on the world stage.
