In an exciting development for Ireland’s T20 cricket, Josh Little is set to bolster their World Cup squad following his IPL stint with the Gujarat Titans. Cricket Ireland has granted him permission to skip the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and the tri-series in the Netherlands, ensuring his full focus on the IPL until the Titans’ last group match on May 16.
The selectors revealed an unchanged 15-man provisional squad for the World Cup, maintaining continuity from their recent series against Afghanistan. This squad will first lock horns with Pakistan in a three-match T20I series starting in Dublin on Friday, followed by a tri-series involving the Netherlands and Scotland from May 19 to 24.
Paul Stirling, the seasoned campaigner who assumed the reins of Ireland’s white-ball cricket last year, headlines the squad for his eighth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance. His leadership will be crucial for a team aiming to replicate their past successes, notably their Super 12s qualification in 2022 and memorable victories over strong opponents.
Joining the seasoned veterans are three fresh faces: Ross Adair, known for his attacking prowess with the bat and sibling to seamer Mark Adair; Neil Rock, the backup wicketkeeper-batsman supporting Lorcan Tucker; and Ben White, a promising leg-spinner. However, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Conor Olphert, and Simi Singh have missed the cut this time around.
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Heinrich Malan, Ireland’s coach, emphasized the squad’s gradual development over the past 18 months and expressed confidence in the diverse skill sets they possess. He underlined the upcoming intensive T20 cricket block as crucial preparation for the World Cup, highlighting their intent to approach each game with a winning mentality rather than considering them mere warm-ups.
Ireland’s T20 World Cup campaign kicks off against India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, a temporary venue near New York City, on June 5. Subsequent matches against Canada, USA, and Pakistan are scheduled in Lauderhill, Florida, promising an exciting and competitive tournament for the Irish squad.
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