Ireland appoint Paul Stirling as permanent white-ball captain
Ireland’s cricket team has confirmed Paul Stirling as the new white-ball captain, replacing Andy Balbirnie, who stepped down in the summer. Stirling, who has led the team on 22 occasions previously, including steering Ireland through qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup, has been appointed at the start of the cycle for the next ODI World Cup, to be held in South Africa in 2027.
The appointment comes as Ireland aims to secure a return in the expanded, 14-team format after missing out in 2019 and 2023, and will also encompass the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Stirling expressed his gratitude for being confirmed as the permanent white-ball captain, saying, “Playing for Ireland has always been a source of pride for me, and to be confirmed the permanent white-ball captain is a recognition I don’t take for granted.” He also acknowledged the importance of the upcoming three World Cup campaigns over the next four years and the work that needs to be done to prepare for them.
Stirling, 33, has led Ireland on 22 occasions previously, including steering them through qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He said that he was honored to be appointed the permanent captain and that he was looking forward to working with the coaching staff and senior leadership group to take the squad forward.
Paul Stirling eyes ODI World Cup return in 2027
Ireland have an exciting four-year period coming up, with the next ODI World Cup in 2027 and the next T20 World Cup in 2026. Stirling said that he was determined to lead Ireland back to the ODI World Cup after they missed out in 2019 and 2023.
Andrew White, Ireland’s national selector, said that he was pleased to have settled the captaincy matter and that he was looking forward to working with Stirling and Balbirnie to take the squad forward.
Stirling’s appointment as permanent white-ball captain comes at a crucial time for Ireland. The team has been on a downward spiral in recent years, and they will be hoping that Stirling can be the man to turn their fortunes around. Stirling is a proven performer at international level, and he has a good understanding of the game. He brings a lot of experience, having played in elite T20 leagues around the world.
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Ireland have a number of talented players in their ranks, and Stirling will be hoping to get the best out of them. If he can do that, then Ireland could be a force to be reckoned with in white-ball cricket in the coming years. Stirling’s appointment as the new white-ball captain comes after he led the team through the T20 World Cup Europe qualifiers, as well as series against India and England.
He is also closing in on Kevin O’Brien’s record for highest caps for Ireland. Andrew White, Ireland’s national selector, said that he expected both Stirling and Balbirnie to be available across all three formats, despite the split leadership.
Stirling’s appointment as permanent white-ball captain is a positive step for Ireland. He is a proven performer and a strong leader, and he has the potential to take the team back to the top of world cricket.
Ireland will need to work hard to secure a return in the expanded, 14-team format after missing out in 2019 and 2023. The split leadership between Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie is expected to work well, and the planning between the coaching and senior leadership group has already begun.
