Dublin: Ireland announces ODI squad for Afghanista...

By Rohan Gupta — 28 July 2026 — 4 min read

Cricket Ireland has announced the Ireland Men’s squad for the initial three matches of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. The five-match series is scheduled to commence next week, with games set to be played at Bready and Stormont. This series marks the first assignment for newly appointed Head Coach Gary Wilson, who will lead the coaching unit.

The squad sees the return of captain Paul Stirling, who missed the recent T20I series against India due to an injury sustained at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His leadership will be crucial as the team transitions back to ODI cricket after a 15-month hiatus from the format.

Several new players have earned their first call-ups to the national side. Jai Moondra, who impressed during the recent T20I series against India, will make his debut in the 50-over format. Byron McDonough, a 24-year-old pace bowler, receives his first call-up after strong performances in the Inter-Provincial 50-over Cup, where he helped Leinster Lightning secure the title. Ben Calitz also joins the squad for his maiden ODI call-up. Moondra and Calitz were part of Ireland’s T20I series victory against India, the reigning Men’s T20I champions.

The selection process has been influenced by ongoing injury concerns within the squad. A number of players are sidelined for the series, either recovering from injuries or undergoing return-to-play protocols. These include Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, and David Delany. The fitness of other players will be assessed after the first three games, at which point a decision will be made regarding potential squad changes for the remaining two ODIs.

Andrew White, Cricket Ireland’s National Selector, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series. He highlighted the team’s desire to build on the momentum from their victories over India in June and saw the five-game series as a significant opportunity for the squad to compete against strong opposition. White specifically praised the inclusion of Moondra and McDonough, noting their distinct attributes that are expected to make an impact. He also mentioned Gavin Hoey’s ability to take wickets through spin and Ben Calitz’s dynamic batting approach as valuable assets for the team.

Coach Wilson shared his anticipation for the series against Afghanistan, acknowledging the competitive rivalry that has developed between the two teams over the years. He emphasized the squad’s selection reflects a dynamic playing style, aiming to adapt to conditions and situations while actively seeking opportunities to pressure opponents. Wilson also stressed the importance of consistently pursuing wickets with the ball and demonstrating a determined attitude in the field, aiming to embody the spirit of successful Irish teams.

The full squad named for the first three ODIs includes:

Paul Stirling (c)
Mark Adair
Andrew Balbirnie
Ben Calitz
Curtis Campher
Cade Carmichael
George Dockrell
Gavin Hoey
Andrew McBrine
Liam McCarthy
Byron McDonough
Jai Moondra
Harry Tector
Lorcan Tucker

The series schedule is as follows:

5 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
7 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
10 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Stormont; starts 10.45am)
12 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Stormont; starts 10.45am)
15 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Stormont; starts 10.45am)

This series will be Ireland’s first men’s bilateral ODI assignment since hosting the West Indies in May 2025.

New faces and coaching leadership

The inclusion of uncapped players like Jai Moondra and Ben Calitz, alongside Byron McDonough, highlights a focus on integrating new talent into the ODI setup. Moondra and Calitz have prior T20I experience, having played in the recent series against India. McDonough’s call-up follows his performance in the Inter-Provincial 50-over Cup, where he claimed eight wickets in five matches for Leinster Lightning.

The series also marks a new chapter under Head Coach Gary Wilson, who takes charge for his maiden series. Wilson’s appointment follows the departure of Heinrich Malan. Former England batter Jonathan Trott will join the Irish camp as a consultant for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan, bringing his experience as a former head coach of the Afghan national team.

Squad composition and injury challenges

The 14-member squad for the initial three ODIs reflects a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. While captain Paul Stirling returns to lead the side, the team continues to manage a significant injury list. The unavailability of key players such as Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, and David Delany due to injury or return-to-play protocols has necessitated adjustments to the squad.

The decision to announce the squad only for the first three matches allows for flexibility, with the final two ODIs’ squad to be confirmed after assessing the fitness of the injured players. This approach aims to ensure the strongest possible team is available for the latter part of the series, which begins on 5 August 2026.