Stirling to lead Ireland on Namibia ODI tour

Paul Stirling will captain Ireland during their upcoming five-match ODI series against Namibia, beginning on 22 October 2026. The tour represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen the squad ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Cricket Ireland High Performance Director Graeme West stressed the importance of gaining experience in southern African conditions and facing potential tournament opponents.

The squad features established internationals, including Lorcan Tucker, Andrew Balbirnie, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell and Harry Tector, alongside several developing players. The series will allow Ireland to assess emerging talent, broaden their selection options and build greater depth within the Wolves pathway. With the 2027 tournament approaching, the matches provide crucial preparation and valuable international experience for players competing to secure future opportunities at the highest level of the game.