Ireland Announces Squad: Ireland Women have officially announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, set to take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 18 January to 1 February 2026.
With a mix of youth and experience, Ireland will be aiming to secure a coveted spot at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in England and Wales.
Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland’s Charge
Star batter Gaby Lewis has been named captain for the crucial Global Qualifier campaign. Known for her consistency at the top of the order and calm leadership, Lewis will be central to Ireland’s qualification hopes. All-rounder Orla Prendergast, one of Ireland’s most impactful performers in recent years, has been appointed vice-captain, underlining her growing influence within the squad.
Ireland’s selectors have backed a balanced team that blends emerging talents with seasoned internationals, reflecting a long-term vision while keeping immediate qualification goals in focus.
Ireland Women’s Squad for T20WC Global Qualifier
Ireland Squad (15 Players):
Gaby Lewis (Captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast (Vice-Captain), Rebecca Stokell
The squad includes experienced campaigners like Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, and Leah Paul, alongside exciting young players such as Amy Hunter and Ava Canning, who represent the future of Irish women’s cricket.
Preparations Begin with Dubai Camp
As part of their build-up to the high-stakes tournament, the Irish squad will depart on 6 January 2026 for a six-day preparation camp in Dubai. The camp will focus on fine-tuning skills, adapting to subcontinental conditions, and building team cohesion.
Following the Dubai camp, Ireland will travel to Nepal on 12 January, where they will play two official warm-up matches against Nepal and Zimbabwe. These games are expected to play a key role in helping the team acclimatise to local pitches and conditions in Kathmandu.
Management is Confident After Recent Learnings
Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, emphasized the significance of the Global Qualifier as a genuine test of the team’s progress.
He pointed out that the recent tour of South Africa showcased both the challenges of international cricket and the squad’s ability to learn and grow under pressure. According to West, while that tour helped identify areas for improvement, the Qualifier will be about executing those lessons in competitive match situations.
The management believes this tournament will reveal how far the team has come and how effectively they can handle pressure at the global level.
Ireland’s Group Stage Fixtures
Ireland will kick off their Global Qualifier campaign on 18 January in Kathmandu. Their group-stage matches are as follows:
- 18 January: Ireland vs PNG
- 22 January: Ireland vs USA
- 24 January: Ireland vs Bangladesh
- 26 January: Ireland vs Namibia
Each match will be crucial, with little margin for error in a tightly contested qualification tournament.
Road to Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
With the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales as the ultimate goal, Ireland know the importance of starting strong in the Global Qualifier. The squad announcement, structured preparation, and leadership clarity suggest a focused approach from Irish cricket.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Gaby Lewis and her team to see if Ireland can rise to the occasion and book their place on the biggest stage of women’s T20 cricket.
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