On January 9, 2026, Cricket Ireland officially announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7. Veteran opener Paul Stirling has been retained as captain to lead the ‘Men in Green’ in their ninth appearance at the marquee event, with wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker named as his deputy.

The selection shows a clear commitment to stability, as 12 of the 15 players from the 2024 campaign have kept their places. National Selector Andrew White expressed strong optimism, stating that the team has been waiting to rectify their 2024 performance and will enter a highly competitive Group B, which includes hosts Sri Lanka and powerhouse Australia, with ‘no fear.’

Experience meets youth: The fresh faces in Ireland’s 15-man squad

While the core of the team remains settled, the 2026 squad features three exciting new additions who have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups through consistent domestic form. Tim Tector, the 22-year-old brother of star batter Harry Tector, joins the ranks as a versatile top-order option and off-spinner. He is joined by 23-year-olds Ben Calitz, a left-handed middle-order specialist, and Matthew Humphreys, a crafty left-arm spinner.

Selector Andrew White noted that these players ‘add a further dynamic nature to the playing group’ as the team looks to balance veteran savvy with youthful energy. Notably, a fit-again Ross Adair returns to the squad after recovering from a knee injury, though there was no place for former captain Andrew Balbirnie in the final list.

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Group B roadmap: Ireland’s high-stakes schedule in Sri Lanka

Ireland have been placed in Group B, arguably one of the most challenging pools of the tournament, alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Oman and Zimbabwe. All of Ireland’s group-stage matches will take place in Sri Lanka, beginning with a high-voltage opener against the hosts on February 8 in Colombo.

Following the opener, the Irish will face a formidable Australian side on February 11, followed by crucial encounters against Oman and Zimbabwe that will likely determine their Super 8 fate. To prepare for the subcontinental conditions, the squad is scheduled to travel to Dubai on January 15 for a series of warm-up T20Is against Italy and the UAE, ensuring they are ‘match-ready’ for the unique spin-friendly tracks of the Premadasa and Kandy stadiums.

Ireland full 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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