Paul Stirling becomes new White ball Captain of Ireland -

November 1, 2023

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Paul Stirling becomes new White ball Captain of Ireland

Paul Stirling has officially been named as the new captain for Ireland’s men’s white-ball cricket team, a role he has been temporarily filling since Andy Balbirnie stepped down during the summer. Balbirnie will continue to serve as the captain for the Test side.

Stirling, aged 33, has previously captained the team on 22 occasions, which included successfully leading Ireland through the qualification process for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Irishman is known for his aggressive and dynamic style of play. A powerful opening batsman and effective off-spin bowler, he combines explosive strokeplay with a knack for clearing boundaries.

Stirling’s appointment coincides with the beginning of preparations for the next ODI World Cup, scheduled for 2027 in South Africa. Ireland is determined to secure a spot in the expanded 14-team format, having missed out in both 2019 and 2023. Additionally, this leadership tenure will encompass the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

🏏🇮🇪 Big News: Ireland has announced Paul Stirling as their men's permanent white-ball captain with immediate effect, while Andrew Balbirnie will continue as red-ball captain.

Exciting times ahead for Irish cricket under new leadership! 🙌
.#bharatsports #bangladesh 🇮🇪🏆 pic.twitter.com/XsxOMOrtWO

— BharatSports.com (@bharathsports1) November 1, 2023

Balbirnie relinquished the white-ball captaincy following Ireland’s inability to qualify for the current ODI World Cup in India, where they finished seventh in the qualifiers held in Zimbabwe. Subsequently, Stirling took charge for the T20 World Cup Europe qualifiers and led the team in series against India and England.

Both Stirling and Balbirnie are expected to be available across all three formats, despite the division in leadership. Ireland’s next cricketing engagement is a tour to Zimbabwe in December, where they will be in action.

Andrew White, Ireland’s national selector, expressed confidence in the commitment and availability of both Stirling, who is closing in on Kevin O’Brien’s record for the most caps for Ireland, and Balbirnie in all three formats of the game.

“Playing for Ireland has always been a source of pride for me and to be confirmed the permanent white-ball captain is a recognition I don’t take for granted.” – Paul Stirling said.