The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will bring together 20 teams competing in 55 thrilling matches.
Ireland, a team known for its competitive spirit and rapid T20 progress, enters the tournament looking to secure a Super 8 spot from a challenging Group B.
Drawn alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman, Ireland faces a demanding group but possesses a talented, well-balanced squad capable of upsetting the giants.
With Paul Stirling leading the side, Ireland aims to combine its experienced core with emerging young talent to make a strong statement on the global stage.
Ireland Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
No.
Player
Role
1
Paul Stirling (C)
Captain / Batting All-rounder
2
Harry Tector
Middle-order Batter
3
Lorcan Tucker (WK)
Wicketkeeper-Batter
4
Ross Adair
Top-order Batter
5
Ben Calitz
Middle-order Batter
6
Tim Tector
Top-order Batter
7
Curtis Campher
All-rounder
8
Gareth Delany
Batting All-rounder
9
George Dockrell
All-rounder
10
Mark Adair
Bowling All-rounder
11
Josh Little
Fast Bowler
12
Barry McCarthy
Fast Bowler
13
Craig Young
Fast Bowler
14
Matthew Humphreys
Left-arm Orthodox Spinner
15
Ben White
Legbreak Spinner
Note: The final squad will be confirmed by Cricket Ireland before the tournament begins.
Ireland Squad PDF – T20 World Cup 2026
An official PDF version of Ireland’s final squad and schedule will be published by Cricket Ireland and ICC closer to the tournament.
Captain, Vice-Captain & Team Management
Captain: Paul Stirling
Vice-Captain: Mark Adair (expected)
Head Coach: Heinrich Malan
Under Stirling’s experienced leadership, Ireland enters the tournament with tactical clarity and confidence. Supported by Mark Adair’s composure and Malan’s progressive coaching methods, the squad is prepared for the unique challenges posed by Indian pitches and high-pressure T20 environments.
Ireland’s Group – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Team
Qualification Path
Australia
Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024
Sri Lanka
Tournament Host
Ireland
ICC T20I Rankings
Zimbabwe
Africa Qualifier
Oman
Asia/EAP Qualifier
Group B is competitive, but Ireland’s all-round strength and emerging batting talent give them a fighting chance to advance.
Ireland Group Stage Fixtures – T20 World Cup 2026
Date
Match
Venue
Local Time
GMT
Sun, Feb 8, 2026
Sri Lanka vs Ireland
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
7:00 PM
13:30 GMT
Wed, Feb 11, 2026
Australia vs Ireland
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
3:00 PM
09:30 GMT
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Ireland vs Oman
Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
11:00 AM
05:30 GMT
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Ireland vs Zimbabwe
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
3:00 PM
09:30 GMT
These matches will determine Ireland’s chances of securing a place in the Super 8.
Predicted Ireland Playing XI – T20 World Cup 2026
Position
Player
Role
1
Paul Stirling (C)
Opening Batter / All-rounder
2
Ross Adair
Opening Batter
3
Lorcan Tucker (WK)
Wicketkeeper-Batter
4
Harry Tector
Middle-order Batter
5
Curtis Campher
All-rounder
6
George Dockrell
All-rounder
7
Mark Adair
Bowling All-rounder
8
Gareth Delany
Batting All-rounder / Leg Spinner
9
Josh Little
Fast Bowler
10
Barry McCarthy
Fast Bowler
11
Ben White
Legbreak Spinner
Bench Strength: Tim Tector, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys, Ben Calitz
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
1. Balanced and Dynamic Squad
Ireland blends experience with youth:
Stirling, Dockrell, and Tucker provide stability
Campher, Delany, and Harry Tector bring energy and attacking intent
2. Bowling Depth for Indian Conditions
Ben White and Dockrell boost the spin department
Josh Little, one of the world’s top left-arm pacers, spearheads the pace attack
Mark Adair and McCarthy offer consistency and wicket-taking ability
3. Middle-order Aggression
Players like Tucker, Campher, and Harry Tector can accelerate in the middle overs, making Ireland competitive during critical phases.
4. All-round Contributions
With Stirling, Dockrell, Campher, and Delany, Ireland possesses multiple utility players capable of influencing both innings.
Ireland’s Road to Glory
Ireland has grown into a competitive T20 team over recent years, earning respect through disciplined performances and high-tempo cricket.
To progress from Group B, Ireland must deliver consistently in high-pressure situations particularly against the likes of Australia and Sri Lanka.
If their batting clicks and their bowlers exploit subcontinental conditions effectively, Ireland has the ability to challenge for a Super 8 spot.
The Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 squad features the ideal mix of experience, rising talent, and strategic depth. With Paul Stirling’s leadership, Josh Little’s pace, and the Tector brothers’ firepower, Ireland enters the global tournament ready to compete hard and cause major upsets in Group B.
FAQs – Ireland Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
1. Who is the captain of Ireland for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
Paul Stirling will lead Ireland in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
2. What group is Ireland placed in?
Ireland is in Group B, with Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
3. When will Ireland play their first match?
Ireland begins their campaign on February 8, 2026, against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
4. Who are Ireland’s key players to watch?
Key players include Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Josh Little, Curtis Campher, and Lorcan Tucker.
5. Can Ireland qualify for the Super 8 stage?
Yes. With consistent performances and strong execution, Ireland has a realistic chance to advance from Group B.
