🇮🇪 Ireland Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List, Fixtures & Key Players
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will feature 20 teams across 55 matches. Ireland enter the tournament with a competitive squad and a clear goal: push for a Super 8 spot from Group B.
Placed in Group B with Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman, Ireland face a challenging route but possess the talent and experience to surprise top-tier sides. Led by Paul Stirling, the team expects strong contributions from its core group of T20 specialists.
🇮🇪 Ireland Likely Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Stirling (C) | Captain / Batting All-rounder |
| 2 | Harry Tector | Middle-order Batter |
| 3 | Lorcan Tucker (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 4 | Ross Adair | Top-order Batter |
| 5 | Ben Calitz | Middle-order Batter |
| 6 | Tim Tector | Top-order Batter |
| 7 | Curtis Campher | All-rounder |
| 8 | Gareth Delany | Batting All-rounder |
| 9 | George Dockrell | All-rounder |
| 10 | Mark Adair | Bowling All-rounder |
| 11 | Josh Little | Fast Bowler |
| 12 | Barry McCarthy | Fast Bowler |
| 13 | Craig Young | Fast Bowler |
| 14 | Matthew Humphreys | Spinner (Left-arm orthodox) |
| 15 | Ben White | Spinner (Legbreak) |
Final 15 to be confirmed by Cricket Ireland before the tournament.
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain: Paul Stirling
- Vice-Captain: Mark Adair (expected)
- Head Coach: Heinrich Malan
Paul Stirling’s leadership brings experience, attacking instincts, and tactical sharpness to Ireland’s setup. Supported by Mark Adair’s composure and Malan’s modern coaching approach, Ireland’s camp has a clear plan for consistency and adaptability across Indian conditions.
Ireland’s Group – T20 WC 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| Australia | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Sri Lanka | Tournament Host |
| Ireland | ICC Men’s T20I Rankings |
| Zimbabwe | Africa Qualifier |
| Oman | Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier |
Ireland’s Group Stage Matches – T20 WC 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local) | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Feb 8, 2026 | Sri Lanka vs Ireland | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM | 13:30 GMT |
| Wed, Feb 11, 2026 | Australia vs Ireland | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 3:00 PM | 09:30 GMT |
| Sat, Feb 14, 2026 | Ireland vs Oman | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 11:00 AM | 05:30 GMT |
| Tue, Feb 17, 2026 | Ireland vs Zimbabwe | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | 3:00 PM | 09:30 GMT |
Predicted Playing XI
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Stirling (C) | Opening Batter / All-rounder |
| 2 | Ross Adair | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Lorcan Tucker (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 4 | Harry Tector | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | Curtis Campher | All-rounder |
| 6 | George Dockrell | All-rounder |
| 7 | Mark Adair | Bowling All-rounder |
| 8 | Gareth Delany | Batting All-rounder / Leg Spinner |
| 9 | Josh Little | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Barry McCarthy | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Ben White | Spinner (Legbreak) |
Bench Strength: Tim Tector, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys, Ben Calitz
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
Balanced Squad: Ireland’s lineup combines experienced campaigners like Stirling and Dockrell with young firepower from Tector and Campher — giving both stability and aggression across the batting order.
Spin & Pace Depth: With Ben White and Dockrell leading the spin charge and Josh Little spearheading the pace attack, Ireland has multiple bowling options suited to Indian conditions.
Middle-order Firepower: Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher bring flexibility and acceleration in the middle overs, making Ireland dangerous during the back end of the innings.
All-round Contribution: Players like Stirling, Adair, and Dockrell provide batting depth and bowling versatility — ideal for T20 balance.
Ireland’s Road to Glory
Ireland have steadily improved as a T20 side and enter the 2026 World Cup with a balanced squad. Success in Group B will depend on consistency and performing in pressure moments against stronger teams like Australia and Sri Lanka.
Final Word
The Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 squad represents a perfect mix of experience, emerging potential, and competitive edge. With Paul Stirling’s leadership, Josh Little’s pace, and the Tector brothers’ talent, Ireland looks ready to challenge top teams and make headlines in Group C.