Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: T20 World champions India national cricket team are set to tour Ireland in June for a T20I series, which will act as preparation before their white-ball tour of England in July. The series was confirmed while announcing Paul Stirling stepping down as Ireland’s T20I captain, marking the start of a transition phase for the hosts.Ireland see this India series as an important step in building towards the T20 World Cup 2028.
According to Ireland’s director of high performance, Graham West, the captaincy change gives a new leader the chance to shape the team early. He said, “With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s (Stirling) decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June.”India, who also face Afghanistan national cricket team before heading to England, have regularly toured Ireland in recent years, drawing strong crowds near Dublin.
Stirling’s decision and future focus
Stirling, 35, stepped down after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign where Ireland struggled, though he will continue as ODI captain. Reflecting on his time, he said, “It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I’m very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role.”He also made it clear he isn’t stepping back as a player, adding, “I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field.”
