Paul Stirling has today been announced as Ireland’s permanent white-ball captain effective immediately, while Andrew Balbirnie will continue as red-ball captain as national selectors look towards the next cycle with two T20 World Cups and a 50-over world cup set to be played in the next four years.

Stirling, Ireland's all-time leading runscorer has aleady captained his country on 22 occasions in the shorter formats and with 376 caps is currently only 13 short of Kevin O'Brien's record total.

Paul Stirling Ireland's white-ball captain (Pic: Steve Bond)

Speaking of his appointment, Stirling said:

“Playing for Ireland has always been a source of pride for me and to be confirmed the permanent white-ball captain is a recognition I don’t take for granted.

 “I said recently that ODI cricket was my favourite format, and to watch on as the 50-over World Cup has been underway is actually been a great motivator for me to ensure we are there at the next event in 2027. I know this desire is a common feeling throughout the squad, and so we’ll look to harness this drive into the next series scheduled for December.

 “We also recognise that there is only eight months now to the next T20 World Cup, so the clock has well-and-truly started on our preparations.” 

Heinrich Malan, Ireland Head Coach, said:

“We know the challenges we have in Irish cricket, but we are very much a coaching and leadership unit that looks for solutions rather than finding excuses. Paul exemplifies this – he is an outright optimist and I know is driven to succeed. It is indeed welcoming to settle the leadership question, and we are very much looking forward to taking Irish cricket forward over coming years.”