'We're laser-focused on 50-over cricket': Wilson eyes World Cup return for Ireland
Magheramason, Aug 4
Just one week into his appointment as head coach of Ireland, Gary Wilson has made it clear what his ambitions are, namely securing qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
The player who previously served as Ireland's wicketkeeper-batter and took over as head coach from Heinrich Malan in June hopes that his team will earn a spot in the 14-team tournament which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Ireland have taken part in the men's 50-over World Cup on only three occasions, Wilson being present at their two most recent appearances in 2011 and 2015.
This week Ireland's campaign to qualify gets under way as they take on Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series which starts on Wednesday-this being their first 50-over internationals in over a year.
The series will provide important preparation for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, in which the four teams who finish at the top of the 10-team tournament will secure their places in the 2027 World Cup.
Wilson stated that the whole arrangement is designed with that objective in mind.
"We're laser-focused on 50-over cricket right now for that reason," Wilson told BBC Sport. "I've been lucky enough to be part of two and they are amazing experiences."
The 39-year-old looked back on Ireland's progress over the past 20 years, citing several landmark achievements, before challenging his players to write new chapters in that journey.
"Irish cricket is really in its infancy in many ways and there's been a lot of firsts within the last 20 years," he said. "We've had Ed Joyce as the first player to play for England, we've had the first World Cup in 2007, we've had the first Test win, why can't we go on and do something huge at a World Cup? If you'd said 30 or 40 years ago where the Irish rugby team would be now, you'd have got laughed at.
"Whether it's in our lifetime or not, one day we will do something amazing. A challenge I've put to this group is to create their own firsts. I think if we just stay focused, there's something big very close."
With a crucial ODI cycle now underway, Wilson hopes Ireland can translate that belief into results and earn another shot on cricket's biggest stage in 2027.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wilson's right - Ireland's journey is inspiring. From beating England in 2011 to their first Test win against Afghanistan in 2019, they've shown they belong on the big stage. But honestly, the gap between Full Members and Associate nations is growing. The ICC needs to give more opportunities to countries like Ireland, not fewer. The 14-team format is a start, but proper bilateral series funding is equally important.
As someone who watched the 2011 World Cup closely, I still remember Kevin O'Brien's 113 off 63 against England - one of the greatest ODI knocks ever! Ireland have the talent, and with Wilson at the helm, they have a coach who understands the pressure of the big stage. The Afghanistan series will be a good test. Really hope we see them in South Africa in 2027. Cricket needs more teams competing at the top level!
Respect to Gary Wilson for setting such clear goals. But here's my honest take - Ireland need more consistent cricket against top teams. Playing only 5 ODIs in a year isn't enough to compete with the likes of Afghanistan, who play bilaterals regularly. The onus is on Cricket Ireland to schedule more matches, not just on the players or coach. Anyway, wishing them all the best for the qualifiers! 🙏
Gary Wilson's comment about Irish rugby is spot on! Ireland went from being a minnow to beating the All Blacks. Cricket can absolutely follow that trajectory. The passion and belief are there. Just look at how far they've come - from playing in Division 1 of the World Cricket League to actually winning Test matches. Proud of the progress, and I'm sure 2027 could be their breakout World Cup. Come on Ireland! ☘️
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