Ireland Women Drop T20 World Cup Squad With 5 Fresh Faces

Ireland Women squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: AFP]

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, Ireland Women released a bold and unique squad on Wednesday, May 20. The tournament will begin on June 12 in England and Wales.

It's important to note that Ireland are placed in a tough Group B, which also features England, New Zealand and the West Indies. Hence, to rise above the competition, they surely need a full-strength side with the right balance.

Ireland issues 5 maiden call-ups for T20 World Cup

However, in an unexpected development, Ireland Women have included 5 fresh faces in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire and Lara McBride have received their maiden call-ups.

Including debutants for a big tournament like the T20 World Cup is not normal. However, Ireland Women have taken a bold step to change their fate.

That being said, the squad still has some experienced players to guide the younger group. Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland in a Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.

She earned major praise after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the Global Qualifier, playing a huge role in Ireland securing qualification.

Laura Delany, the former captain, is also a key player with close to 100 T20I wickets to her name. Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter and Leah Paul strengthen the batting core. Arlene Kelly will lead the pace attack.

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Ireland Women squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

While expectations may not heavily favour Ireland for this ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, their squad has the perfect balance to cause an upset on a given day.

By calling up five new faces, the management has proved that they are not afraid to experiment and play with a bold intent. Group B is tough, and hence, Ireland need all hands on deck to ensure they get to the knockout stages and eventually achieve glory.

Ireland Women Full World Cup Squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride

Ireland schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

It is no secret that Ireland will face a difficult challenge in the group stage. They have been placed in Group 2 alongside hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and regional rivals Scotland.

Ireland will begin their campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 13, a match that could prove crucial in shaping their chances of progressing further in the competition.

After that, they will face England, followed by New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

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