After Ireland failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup, Andrew Balbirnie announced his decision to step down from the post of senior men's team captain. The Men in Green put on a disappointing display in the ongoing ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe as they manage to win just one out of their five group stage matches and failed to even qualify for the Super Six stage of the competition. Balbirnie, who was in charge of the team for the last four years, decided to quit captaincy after the team's poor performance.
"After much thought and consideration, I have made the decision to step down as ODI and T20I captain. It has been one of my great honours to lead this team over the last few years and I am hugely grateful for all the support I received on and off the pitch from the many players, coaches, Cricket Ireland and supporters of the Ireland team," Balbirnie said.
"I feel this is the right time for me, but more importantly the team. I will continue to do my best for this team and work hard to contribute towards what I hope will be a successful period over the next number of years. Thank you."
After being appointed as the skipper of the Ireland cricket team in 2019, Balbirnie led the side in 89 international matches across formats. The 32-year-old veteran batter will continue to represent the national team.
After Balbirnie announced his decision to step down from the post of Ireland captain, head coach Heinrich Malan revealed that veteran cricketer Paul Stirling will lead the team in an interim role until the England series in September.
"While we completely respect Andrew's decision to step down, for me, it is a poignant day. Andrew has been an exceptionally dedicated captain during his tenure, and I have greatly enjoyed working closely with him as captain. I know this was not a decision he took lightly, but one that he considered was best for the team. As a senior member of the squad, I very much look forward to continuing to work with him into the future," Malan said.
"In terms of the captaincy going forward, Paul Stirling has agreed to take on the role on an interim basis until the end of the ODI series against England in September. Stirlo, as existing vice-captain of the squad, is someone I have also worked closely with and look forward to planning together through the next few months," he added.
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