🇮🇪 Ireland Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List, Fixtures & Key Players
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will feature 20 teams battling it out across 55 matches. Ireland enter the tournament with a settled core, experienced leadership, and renewed belief as they target a Super 8 berth from Group B.
Drawn alongside Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, Ireland face a demanding group but one that also presents opportunities — particularly given their history of upsetting heavyweight sides on the world stage. With Paul Stirling leading from the front, Ireland will look to combine experience with youthful energy in subcontinent conditions.
🇮🇪 Ireland Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Stirling (C) | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Harry Tector | Middle-order Batter |
| 3 | Lorcan Tucker (VC, 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 | Left-arm Spinner |
| 15 | Ben White | Leg-spin Bowler |
Ireland have retained 12 players from the previous T20 World Cup, while Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys add fresh depth to the squad.
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain: Paul Stirling
- Vice-Captain: Lorcan Tucker
- Head Coach: Heinrich Malan
Paul Stirling brings unmatched experience and authority at the top of the order, while Lorcan Tucker’s elevation as vice-captain reflects his growing influence within the side. Under Heinrich Malan, Ireland have focused on adaptability — a key requirement for conditions in Sri Lanka and India.
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 – Ireland (T20 World Cup 2026)
| Batting Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Stirling (C) | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Ross Adair | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Lorcan Tucker (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 4 | Harry Tector | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | Curtis Campher | Batting All-rounder |
| 6 | George Dockrell | All-rounder |
| 7 | Mark Adair | Bowling All-rounder |
| 8 | Gareth Delany | Batting All-rounder / Part-time Spin |
| 9 | Josh Little | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Barry McCarthy | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Ben White | Leg-spin Bowler |
Bench Strength: Tim Tector, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys, Ben Calitz
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
Balanced Combination: Ireland boast a well-rounded squad blending senior figures like Stirling and Dockrell with prime-age performers such as Harry Tector and Campher.
Bowling Variety: Josh Little’s left-arm pace, supported by McCarthy and Young, offers penetration, while Ben White and Humphreys provide spin options suited to slow surfaces.
Middle-order Flexibility: Tucker and Campher add acceleration through the middle overs, giving Ireland the ability to shift gears quickly.
All-round Depth: Multiple players contribute across disciplines — a vital asset in high-pressure T20 cricket.
Ireland’s Road to Glory
Ireland’s best T20 World Cup performances came in 2009 and 2022, when they reached the second round and defeated former champions. Replicating that success in 2026 will require discipline, fearlessness, and strong starts in Group B — particularly against Oman and Zimbabwe.
Final Word
The Ireland squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects stability, belief, and competitive intent. With Paul Stirling’s leadership, Josh Little’s pace, and a strong core of all-rounders, Ireland will aim to challenge established sides and once again punch above their weight on the global stage.