Cricket Ireland has officially revealed Ireland’s Squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, and the team selection clearly shows a strong focus on youth and long term development. Returning to the global tournament after missing the 2024 edition, Ireland have picked a balanced squad filled with exciting young talent along with experienced players who can guide the group under pressure.
The tournament will take place in England and Wales, where Ireland will aim to challenge some of the strongest teams in women’s cricket.
Ireland Women’s Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The squad will be led by Gaby Lewis, who has been rewarded for her excellent performances in the ICC Global Qualifiers earlier this year. Lewis finished as the highest run scorer in the qualifiers with 276 runs and will captain Ireland at a major ICC tournament for the first time.
Vice captain duties will be handled by Orla Prendergast, one of Ireland’s most important all rounders and currently ranked among the top T20I all rounders in the world.
The full squad includes Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Georgina Dempsey, Louise Little, Cara Murray, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire, and Lara McBride.
Unfortunately, seamer Jane Maguire has been ruled out of the tournament because of injury.
A Bold Young Squad for the Future
One of the biggest talking points from Ireland’s Squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is the strong focus on youth. Five players are set to make their Women’s T20 World Cup debuts this year.
Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire, and Lara McBride will all experience their first ICC World Cup tournament. The management clearly believes these players can become the future core of Irish women’s cricket.
Lara McBride already impressed during the qualifiers by taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs against Thailand women’s national cricket team. Meanwhile, Aimee Maguire has returned strongly after injury and adds important spin bowling depth.
Experienced Players Still Hold the Key
Even though the squad is young, Ireland still have several experienced players to guide the side. Former captain Laura Delany remains one of the team’s most reliable all rounders and is close to a huge personal milestone.
Delany currently sits on 96 T20I wickets and needs only four more to become the first Irish woman to take 100 wickets in T20 internationals.
Orla Prendergast will also play a major role because of her experience in English domestic cricket, which could help Ireland adapt quickly to local conditions.
Ireland’s Group Stage Fixtures
Ireland face a challenging group stage in the tournament. They begin their campaign against Scotland women’s national cricket team on June 13 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
They will then face England women’s national cricket team, New Zealand women’s national cricket team, Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team, and West Indies women’s national cricket team in Group 2.
With a fearless young squad and experienced leaders guiding them, Ireland will hope to make a strong impact at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
