Paul Stirling immediately set his sights on the 2027 World Cup after his confirmation yesterday as the permanent Ireland white-ball captain, succeeding his best mate Andy Balbirnie who will remain as Test skipper.

Stirling took the reins of the ODI and T20 teams on a temporary basis in July when Balbirnie stepped down after a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign in Zimbabwe, and had no real rival for the full-time job with Harry Tector still considered too young.

‘I said recently that ODI cricket was my favourite format, and to watch on as the 50-over World Cup has been underway in India has actually been a great motivator for me to ensure we are there at the next event in 2027,” Stirling said.

“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 for that tournament.”