Ireland has today named a 15-player Women’s squad that will travel to South Africa at the end of January to compete in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The tournament represents Ireland Women’s return to World Cup involvement after last appearing in the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The 2023 edition will be held from 10-26 February, with Ireland’s first game against England set for 13 February.
The tournament will feature two Groups of five teams each in the first round playing a round robin format, with the top two sides from each Group progressing to the semi-finals stage.
Ireland’s Group features: Ireland, England, India, Pakistan and West Indies.
The squad will depart Dublin on 27 January and undertake a preparation camp in Cape Town from 28 January to 2 February - during this time they will play two warm-up matches against Bangladesh. The squad will then move on to Stellenbosch to play two official warm-up games against Sri Lanka and Australia, before their first competitive match on 13 February.
THE SQUAD
Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron.
The coaching and support staff travelling are:
Head Coach: Ed Joyce
Assistant Coach: Glenn Querl
Spin Bowling Coach: Nathan Hauritz
Team Operations Manager: Beth Healy
Physiotherapist: Catherine Simpson
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Greg Hollins
Performance Analyst: Jay Shelat
Media Manager: Craig Easdown
Team Doctor: Dr Dhavina Naidoo
Performance Psychologist: Anne Marie Kennedy
Carrie Archer, National Selector, said:
“It was incredibly rewarding and encouraging to see our squad progress so far both on and off the field in 2022, recording a number of breakthrough results as a team and as individuals. While there were numerous highlights, the most gratifying of all was the successful T20 World Cup qualifying campaign. We haven’t featured in a global tournament since 2018. While we came heartbreakingly close at the 2019 qualifier, we ultimately fell short, so this year’s qualification felt like redemption and reward for the hard work the players, coaches and support staff have put in.
“The squad’s average age is only 24, with most players aged between 17 and 23. This age profile is an exciting aspect for Irish cricket as this group will hopefully be together for a good few years to come, and will only get better over time.
“Laura – already Ireland’s longest-serving captain - will lead the side again, while we welcome Georgina Dempsey back into the squad after she missed the recent Pakistan tour due to educational commitments.”
IRELAND WOMEN’S FIXTURE SCHEDULE
Warm-ups (prep camp)
31 January: Ireland Women v Bangladesh Women (Cape Town)
2 February: Ireland Women v Bangladesh Women (Cape Town)
Warm-ups (official)
5 February: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (Stellenbosch)
8 February: Ireland Women v Australia Women (Stellenbosch)
T20 World Cup (Group Stage)
13 February: Ireland Women v England Women (Paarl)
15 February: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women (Cape Town)
17 February: Ireland Women v West Indies Women (Cape Town)
20 February: Ireland Women v India Women (Port Elizabeth)