Ireland welcomes captain Paul Stirling back for Afghanistan ODI series

By Rohan Gupta — 28 July 2026 — 3 min read

Stirling returns to lead Ireland

Paul Stirling is set to captain Ireland in the upcoming five-game One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. His return follows an injury, and he will lead the team in August. This series marks the first matches under the guidance of new head coach Gary Wilson, who took over after Heinrich Malan.

Stirling’s comeback is seen as a significant boost for Ireland, especially as the team prepares for its first ODI series in over a year. He previously stepped down from the T20 captaincy after this year’s World Cup due to a calf issue. His experience and leadership are anticipated to strengthen both the batting lineup and the overall leadership within the squad.

New talent and coaching era

Alongside Stirling’s return, Ireland has introduced new talent to the ODI squad. Jai Moondra, Ben Calitz, and Byron McDonough have all received their first ODI call-ups. Moondra and Calitz previously demonstrated their capabilities during Ireland’s T20I series victory against India, showcasing maturity under pressure.

McDonough, a fast bowler, earned his selection after his performance in the Inter-Provincial 50-over Cup, where he contributed to Leinster Lightning winning the title. Their inclusion reflects Cricket Ireland’s focus on rewarding domestic performances and developing emerging players for future international challenges.

The series against Afghanistan also signals the beginning of a new coaching era with Gary Wilson at the helm. Wilson, a former Ireland wicketkeeper, believes the selected squad aligns with the aggressive and positive style of cricket the team aims to play. He expressed excitement about returning to ODI cricket after a 15-month gap and acknowledged the competitive selection process due to many players impressing during the break.

Squad depth tested by injuries

Despite the positive news of returns and new call-ups, Ireland will face the Afghanistan series with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Matt Hollard, who had a notable T20 series against India, is among those unavailable for Wilson’s initial games in charge. Other players missing include Josh Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neil, and David Delaney.

These absences, particularly in the bowling attack, will test the squad’s depth but also create opportunities for other players to step up. However, Mark Adair and all-rounder Curtis Campher are returning to the squad after missing the matches against India due to their respective injuries.

The 14-member Ireland squad for the series includes Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker.

Series schedule and significance

The five-game ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on August 5. The first two matches will be held at Bready on August 5 and 7. The series will then move to Stormont for the final three games, which are set for August 10, 12, and 15.

This series represents Ireland’s first ODIs since May 2025 and will serve as preparation for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place at the beginning of next year. Wilson highlighted the strong rivalry that has developed between Ireland and Afghanistan over the years, anticipating another closely contested series.

Wilson stated that the team wants to be consistently looking for wickets with the ball and to hunt down chances in the field, embodying a “never say die attitude” synonymous with great Irish sides. He added that the squad selection reflects the way the team wants to play.

Source: bbc.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter