Stirling steps down as Ireland T20I captain [Source: AFP]In a shocking development, Paul Stirling, the 35-year-old Irish cricketer, has stepped away from the post of the T20I captain. However, he will continue to lead the ODI setup as the nation will witness a change of guard in the game’s shortest format. Stirling’s Ireland side recently played in the T20 World Cup, and the team crashed out in the group stage.Stirling, who led the team in the opening two matches got ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a serious knee injury, and to manage his workload, the batter decided to relieve himself of the captaincy duties.The Irish Cricket Board is yet to reveal Paul Stirling’s successor, but expect one of the senior players to take over the mantle from the 35-year-old, experienced cricketer. The team management has already started to prepare for the next T20 World Cup, and they wanted a change in the scheme of things.Emotional Paul Stirling bids farewell to captaincy roleThe explosive batter was emotional as he penned a farewell message before stepping down as the Ireland T20I captain.“After careful thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as captain of Ireland’s T20 side. 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.“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."Also Read: All T20 World Cup Records Ireland Broke With Lorcan Tucker’s Unbeaten 94 vs OmanWho can be the next Ireland T20I captainThe next T20I skipper is yet to be disclosed by the Irish Cricket Board, but rumours have circulated that Test captain, Andrew Balbirnie could take over the mantle from the next series onwards.When Stirling was ruled out of the T20 World Cup, the team management appointed Lorcan Tucker as the stand-in skipper, and even the talented batter is in the race as Ireland can potentially have three different captains for three formats- Stirling (ODIs), Balbirnie (Tests), and Tucker (T20Is, potentially).Batting dip, a reason for stepping down as T20I captainIn the last three years, Stirling’s T20I numbers have fluctuated as the batter has blown hot and cold, and this is one of the key reasons why he decided to step away from the captaincy. In 2024, Stirling slammed 214 runs in 13 T20I matches, but the strike rate was just 122.60.In 2025, he scored 143 runs in nine matches, and his strike rate improved to 143. However, in 2026, he once again witnessed a downfall as the right-handed batter accumulated 97 runs in seven matches, with a strike rate of just 108.Ireland’s T20 World Cup exit, alongside Stirling’s poor form, has led to a change in the T20I captaincy.Also Read: Not Eden Gardens! Knight Riders Find A New Home In California Before IPL 2026
