Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Full Team List, Player Analysis & Key Prospects
Ireland Cricket has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played across India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026. The Irish team will grace the global stage once again, with seasoned players leading a balanced lineup that combines experience, raw talent, and strategic skill. Led by Paul Stirling, Ireland goes into the tournament with a competitive squad capable of challenging big teams and producing memorable upsets.
In this detailed article, we will break down Ireland’s squad, player roles, strengths, tactical strategy, and prospects in the T20 World Cup. This comprehensive analysis is designed to keep readers engaged, informed, and excited.
reland T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Here is the full official squad selected by Cricket Ireland for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
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Paul Stirling (c)
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Mark Adair
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Ross Adair
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Ben Calitz
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Curtis Campher
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Gareth Delany
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George Dockrell
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Matthew Humphreys
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Josh Little
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Barry McCarthy
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Harry Tector
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Tim Tector
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Lorcan Tucker
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Ben White
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Craig Young
This squad represents a thoughtful mix of experienced leaders, seasoned campaigners, and exciting young prospects ready to showcase their skills on the sport’s biggest limited-overs platform.
Leadership & Captain: Paul Stirling
Paul Stirling has again been entrusted with the captaincy of the Irish T20 squad. Known for his powerful batting and tactical cricketing mind, Stirling’s role extends beyond leading the team — he provides stability at the top of the order and sets the tone with aggressive yet calculated stroke play. His experience playing in international leagues and T20 franchises around the world adds strategic depth to Ireland’s campaign.
Under his captaincy, Ireland will aim to build on their recent international performances, using his leadership to guide the team through tough group stage matches and beyond.
Batting Lineup Breakdown
Ireland’s batting lineup offers a strong blend of aggression, consistency, and adaptability — critical qualities needed for success in T20 cricket.
Top Order – Setting the Foundation
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Paul Stirling (c) — A class act in T20 cricket, Stirling’s experience and ability to score quickly at the top makes him Ireland’s most dangerous batter. His aggressive style can put early pressure on opposition bowlers.
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Ross Adair & Harry Tector — Both players bring reliability and tactical awareness to the lineup. Tector, in particular, has been a standout performer in recent series, contributing key runs under pressure.
Top Order – Setting the Foundation
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Paul Stirling (c) — A class act in T20 cricket, Stirling’s experience and ability to score quickly at the top makes him Ireland’s most dangerous batter. His aggressive style can put early pressure on opposition bowlers.
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Ross Adair & Harry Tector — Both players bring reliability and tactical awareness to the lineup. Tector, in particular, has been a standout performer in recent series, contributing key runs under pressure.
Middle & Lower Depth
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Matthew Humphreys & Ben Calitz — These young players are gaining momentum with consistent performances in domestic and international circuits. Their inclusion points to Ireland’s long-term vision and reliance on emerging talent.
Overall, Ireland’s batting unit brings a mix of experience and fresh talent, which can create exciting partnerships and keep Ireland competitive throughout the tournament.
Bowling Attack: Pace, Variation & Consistency
Ireland’s bowling department is one of its biggest strengths, featuring a balanced combination of pace and spin.
Pace Bowling
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Mark Adair & Josh Little — Lead the pace attack with accuracy, speed, and the ability to disrupt batting rhythms early in the innings. Their performances in international cricket have shown that they can generate crucial breakthroughs when operating in tandem.
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Barry McCarthy & Craig Young — These experienced bowlers bring variety and consistency. McCarthy’s understanding of line and length makes him effective in death overs, while Young’s familiarity with Irish conditions adds value in crucial game moments.
Spin Options
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George Dockrell — One of Ireland’s most reliable spin options, Dockrell adds tactical depth in middle overs. His ability to bowl tight lines and vary pace makes him a valuable asset in the spin-dominated phases of T20 cricket.
Emerging Spice
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Ben White — A promising young pace option with the potential to surprise opposition batters with variations and strategic bowling plans.
Ireland’s bowling lineup demonstrates a tactical blend that can be adapted based on wickets and pitch conditions. The inclusion of both spin and varied pace options gives the captain more tools to influence match outcomes.
Strategic Outlook: Ireland’s Game Plan
Aggressive Top-Order Strategy
Ireland’s most effective T20 strategy often starts with a strong opening partnership. Paul Stirling and Harry Tector bring the ability to score quickly while maintaining stability. This combination allows Ireland to build strong totals or chase challenging targets under diverse conditions.
Aggressive Top-Order Strategy
Ireland’s most effective T20 strategy often starts with a strong opening partnership. Paul Stirling and Harry Tector bring the ability to score quickly while maintaining stability. This combination allows Ireland to build strong totals or chase challenging targets under diverse conditions.
Bowling Tactics
With a balanced bowling attack, Ireland can focus on containing runs during powerplays and executing planned attacks during middle overs. The strategy will likely involve early pace discipline followed by spin control and death over precision.
Key Players to Watch
Paul Stirling (Captain)
The captain’s role cannot be overstated. Stirling’s leadership and explosive batting make him Ireland’s linchpin. His ability to guide the batting lineup and make tactical decisions plays a central part in Ireland’s World Cup ambitions.
Harry Tector
A consistent scorer for Ireland, Tector has grown into a dependable middle or top-order batter whose performances often anchor Ireland’s innings.
Josh Little
One of Ireland’s most exciting young bowlers, Little’s pace and bowling variations make him a potential game-changer against strong batting lineups.
George Dockrell
As Ireland’s key spin option, Dockrell’s control and experience can restrict opposition scoring, especially in spin-friendly conditions common in India and Sri Lanka.
Historical Context: Ireland on the Rise
Ireland’s rise in international cricket has been a remarkable journey. Over the years, Irish cricket has produced memorable upsets, competitive performances against established teams, and individual standout moments. The country’s T20 World Cup history reflects a team that plays with tenacity and tactical intelligence, earning respect from fans and competitors alike.
This 2026 squad builds on that legacy, balancing experience with youth and emphasizing strategic depth — a combination that keeps Ireland competitive on the world stage.
Final Thoughts
Ireland’s official squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 exemplifies a well-balanced team ready for global challenge. With seasoned leaders, energetic young talent, and tactical bowling depth, Ireland enters the tournament with confidence and excitement.
Cricket fans around the world will be watching closely as Ireland steps onto the global stage, hoping to witness thrilling performances, unforgettable moments, and a spirited pursuit of T20 World Cup glory.