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Paul Stirling Steps Down as Ireland T20I Captain, Stays ODI Skipper

Veteran batter Paul Stirling has resigned from his role as Ireland's T20 International captain. The decision comes as the team begins its planning cycle for the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup. Stirling, who will remain as the ODI captain, led Ireland during the 2026 T20 World Cup where the team finished fourth in its group. Ireland will now have separate captains for all three formats, with Andrew Balbirnie leading in Tests.

Key Points: Paul Stirling Steps Down as Ireland T20I Captain

  • Steps down as T20I captain
  • Continues as ODI skipper
  • Ireland plans for 2028 T20 World Cup
  • Team had poor 2026 World Cup showing
  • New T20I captain to be named
2 min read

Paul Stirling steps down as Ireland T20I captain, to continue with ODI leadership

Paul Stirling resigns as Ireland's T20I captain but will continue leading the ODI side as the team plans for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

"It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format... Captaining your country is a privilege. - Paul Stirling"

Dublin, March 19

Veteran batter Paul Stirling has stepped down as Ireland's T20I captain as the team begins planning for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup in 2028. However, the 35-year-old will continue to lead the side in the ODIs.

Stirling was appointed ODI and T20I captain in October 2023 and led Ireland at the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Placed in Group B in the tournament held in India and Sri Lanka, Ireland finished fourth of the five teams, managing just three points. The European side registered only one win and suffered two losses in the group stage, and one match was washed out.

The captaincy change will now result in Ireland Men having a dedicated captain for each of the three formats. With Andrew Balbirnie leading the side in Test, Stirling in ODIs, and the T20I captain will be announced later.

"It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I'm very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role," Stirling said in an official statement on Thursday.

"I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the wider support staff, and everyone involved with Cricket Ireland for the backing they have shown me throughout. I'm also hugely appreciative of the support from fans who continue to follow and champion this team wherever we play."

"While I will be stepping away from the T20 captaincy, I remain fully committed to the Ireland team and will continue in my role as ODI captain," he added.

The 35-year-old played just two games in the T20 World Cup 2026 before ligament damage to his knee during Ireland's game against Australia drew a curtain on his campaign. Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker took the reins in Stirling's absence for the remainder of the tournament.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respect for Stirling's service. He's been a great servant for Irish cricket. The T20 World Cup performance was disappointing, but they were in a tough group. Hope the new captain brings fresh energy for 2028. The tournament is in Australia and New Zealand, right?
A
Aman W
As an Indian fan, I always enjoy watching associate nations like Ireland play. They bring so much passion. Stirling's injury was unfortunate. Wishing him a strong comeback in ODIs. Maybe they can schedule a series with India A? Would be great for their development.
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Sarah B
His statement is very classy. Takes responsibility, thanks everyone, and steps aside gracefully. That's how a captain should be. Hope Cricket Ireland finds a dynamic young leader for T20s. They have some exciting players.
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Karthik V
Honestly, the results weren't great. One win in the World Cup is not enough, even for an associate nation. The change was needed. But credit to him for realizing it and making way. Now the focus should be on identifying match-winners for the shortest format.
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Nisha Z
It's smart planning. 2028 is four years away. Gives the new captain plenty of time to build a team. Ireland plays with a lot of heart. I remember their win over England in 2011! Hope they can cause more upsets. Best of luck to Stirling in ODIs.

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