Ireland’s skipper in limited-overs cricket, Andrew Balbirnie, has resigned a week after his team was unable to for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“After much thought and consideration, I have made the decision to step down as ODI and T20I captain,” he said on Tuesday in a Cricket Ireland press release. “It has been one of my great honours to lead this team over the last few years and I am hugely grateful for all the support I received on and off the pitch from the many players, coaches, Cricket Ireland and supporters of the Ireland team.”
The limited-overs sides will be under Paul Stirling’s leadership, but only through the conclusion of the ODI series against England in September, according to Balbirnie, who also added that Stirling will still be eligible for selection.
“I feel this is the right time for me, but more importantly the team. I will continue to do my best for this team and work hard to contribute towards what I hope will be a successful period over the next number of years.”
Andrew Balbirnie steps down as Ireland failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup
Ireland finished seventh in a competition of 10 teams after winning three of its six games. All of their victories over the USA, UAE, and Nepal occurred after they were eliminated from World Cup contention.
The T20 World Cup European Qualifiers are their next assignment and they start on July 20. After that, they have a three-match T20I series against India at home in August and a three-match ODI series against England on the road in September.
Since taking over in late 2019, Balbirnie has commanded Ireland 89 times (four Tests, 33 ODIs, and 52 T20Is) in all forms. He continues to lead their Test team as captain.
Paul Stirling takes interim command of the limited-overs teams
The 32-year-old Stirling has served as interim captain for his nation 13 times across all competitions (four ODIs, nine T20Is); he was also designated captain in a 14th game that produced a ‘No result’. Since making his debut with the Ireland Men’s squad in 2008, he has been a virtual mainstay and is quickly approaching Kevin O’Brien’s record for most caps as an Irish cricketer.
Soon, the Irish men’s T20 World Cup qualifying team will be revealed.
Heinrich Malan, Head Coach of Ireland Men, said:
“While we completely respect Andrew’s decision to step down, for me, it is a poignant day. Andrew has been an exceptionally dedicated captain during his tenure, and I have greatly enjoyed working closely with him as captain. I know this was not a decision he took lightly, but one that he considered was best for the team. As a senior member of the squad, I very much look forward to continuing to work with him into the future.
“In terms of the captaincy going forward, Paul Stirling has agreed to take on the role on an interim basis until the end of the ODI series against England in September. Stirlo, as existing vice-captain of the squad, is someone I have also worked closely with and look forward to planning together through the next few months.”
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