Ireland announce 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2021

Less than two weeks before the T20 World Cup 2021, Ireland have announced a 15-man squad for the gala tournament. While there are some notable absentees, the selectors have awarded several youngsters for their impressive show. Shane Getkate, Graham Kennedy, and Barry McCarthy are the three most prominent names to miss the cut in the final squad.

Nevertheless, players like skipper Andrew Balbirnie, Kevin O’Brien, and Paul Stirling are proven stars of this format and a lot will depend upon them. For the unversed, Ireland’s T20 World Cup squad is a trimmed-down version of the squad that will tour UAE for a three-match bilateral T20I series, starting October 7.

The trio who missed out on the World Cup berth will travel with the squad as reserves. Speaking of the team selection, Andrew White – the chair of the national men’s selection committee – admitted leaving out three players was a tough call.

We are confident of our players: Andrew White

“It was always going to be a very difficult decision to reduce the squad from 18 to 15 – every player out in Dubai at the moment has proven their talent and deserved their chance. The three players who have missed out will still have a role to play in supporting the core squad, and stay on within the team bubble as cover in case of injury or illness,” Cricbuzz quoted White as per saying.

“We are confident that the squad of players selected have the ability and the determination to take us into the next round of the tournament, but ultimately it will be about putting together performances that are deserving of it. We wish Fordy and the lads all the best for the challenge ahead, and we’re sure they will do Irish cricket proud,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ireland will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against Netherlands on October 18. Before that fixture, however, they’ll get to play warm-up fixtures against Papua New Guinea. Hence, it would be interesting to see how this tournament pans out for Ireland.

Ireland’s squad for T20 World Cup: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.