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Ireland has officially confirmed its 15-man roster for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The squad will once again be led by the nation’s all-time leading run-scorer in the format, Paul Stirling, with wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker serving as his vice-captain.
Ireland reveal T20 World Cup squad
Continuity is a clear theme for the Irish side, as 12 of the 15 selected players were part of the previous World Cup campaign. However, the squad also injects some fresh energy with three new additions: Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys, all of whom have earned their spots for the marquee event.
This tournament marks Ireland’s ninth appearance on the global T20 stage. The team will be looking to build on their historic performances from 2009 and 2022, years in which they successfully reached the second round and claimed famous victories over heavyweights like England and the West Indies.
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National selector Andrew White expressed optimism about the group, noting that the goal is to showcase an even more competitive version of Irish cricket. With a balanced mix of veteran experience and emerging talent, Ireland aims to be more than just a participant in what is expected to be a highly challenging tournament.
"To say we are very much looking forward to this T20 World Cup is an under-statement. After a memorable 2022 tournament, we probably weren’t at our best in 2024 – and have been waiting to rectify that ever since," White said in a statement.
"There is no doubt we are in a highly competitive group, which includes playing the tournament hosts but we have played these sides recently enough in previous editions of this tournament, and will go into these matches with no fear. .We have played a fair bit in this part of the world in the last few years, so we will be in a good position to plan and prepare thoroughly, and be ready for the challenge when the time comes," he added.
Ireland's T20 World Cup squad:
Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young
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The Irish squad is set to fine-tune their tactics with high-intensity warm-up matches against Italy and the UAE. These fixtures will serve as a crucial final dress rehearsal, allowing the team to acclimatize to the subcontinent's conditions before the tournament officially gets underway.
For the main event, Ireland has been placed in a challenging Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, powerhouse Australia, and competitive sides Oman and Zimbabwe. Their journey begins with a marquee clash against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 8, a high-stakes opener that will likely set the tone for their pursuit of a spot in the knockout stages.
Ireland's T20 World Cup schedule for group stage:
February 8, 2026: v Sri Lanka, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
February 11, 2026: v Australia, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
February 14, 2026: v Oman, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
February 17, 2026: v Zimbabwe, Pallekele
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