Paul Stirling signs short-term deal with Leicestershire

Ireland Men’s white-ball captain will be joining up with the Leicestershire CCC T20 squad this week as a late replacement for overseas player Peter Handscomb who injured his shoulder playing against Sussex CCC. 

Stirling will be joining up with the squad specifically for two fixtures this week with the option for an extension on a game-by-game basis depending on Handsomb’s recovery. 

Paul Stirling’s participation in the Emerald Challenge remains unchanged as he continues to prepare for the historic men’s test match against Zimbabwe later this month. On the opportunity to join up with Leicestershire, Stirling had this say:

“I’m really looking forward to getting out there. We’ve got two huge games coming up, and with the way the table’s shaping up we’re in a great position. Hopefully, we can get a win or two more and put ourselves in strong contention for a home quarter-final.”

Director of Cricket at Leicestershire CCC, Claude Henderson, also added: 

“Paul holds immense county and international experience, which will be a huge benefit to our team at an important stage of the competition. He offers the ability to score quick runs at the top of the order, as well as take wickets, and we’re excited to add him to our squad.”

Stirling is line to make his debut on Friday against Notts Outlaws alongside fellow Leicestershire CCC overseas signing Jimmy Neesham.

Meanwhile, Ireland are set for a tour of Zimbabwe from July 25 as they lock horns in a one-off Test. Following this tour, Ireland will travel to Abu Dhabi to lock horns with South Africa in T20Is and ODIs. They will start the T20I series on Septemeber 27. The two nations will finally lock horns in three ODIs with the final game taking place on October 7. Ireland had a dismal run in the T20 World Cup 2024.