Ireland Announce ODI Squad for Afghanistan Series, Paul Stirling Returns as Captain- IPL

Ireland have revealed their 14-player squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on August 5. Paul Stirling is set to make his comeback after missing Ireland’s T20I matches against India because of an injury he suffered during the T20 World Cup 2026. The experienced batter will captain the team in the first three ODIs of the series.

If Stirling remains fit throughout the series, he will continue leading the side. However, Ireland’s team management could manage his workload depending on his fitness and recovery. Newly T20-capped Jai Moondra and Ben Calitz have also been called up for the series and may even be handed the debut cap in the 50-overs format. 

However, Ireland will be without several key players for the opening three matches of the series. Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, and David Delany have all been left out and will miss the first three ODIs against Afghanistan.

Paul Stirling Returns as Ireland Name ODI Squad

All of them are unavailable for selection either due to injury or return-to-play protocol. The team for the last two ODIs will be revealed after evaluating player fitness and a determination will be made regarding any necessary changes. Upon the squad’s selection, Head Coach Gary Wilson, who will be the coach in charge for the series, expressed his confidence in the team and his enthusiasm for the series. 

“I am very much looking forward to the series against Afghanistan. These are our first ODIs in 15 months, and in the intervening period, many players have put their hand up for selection, which is a great place to be,” he said. 

“There is a great rivalry that has built up over the years between the two teams, and I expect that to continue during this series. We have selected a squad that is reflective of the way in which we want to play,” he further added. 

Ireland’s ODI squad for the first three ODIs:

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

Ireland vs Afghanistan series schedule