Ireland have officially announced their 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, with all-rounder Gaby Lewis appointed as captain. The tournament, which will take place in Pakistan from April 9 to 19, features Ireland competing against formidable teams including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland, Thailand and the West Indies.
The squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Key figures such as Leah Paul, Sophie McMahon, Arlene Kelly and Laura Delany – who holds the record for the most appearances for the Ireland women’s team – are set to play pivotal roles. The inclusion of younger players like Amy Hunter and Kia McCartney, both of whom showcased their skills at the recent ICC U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia, adds an exciting dynamic to the team.
Ireland’s head coach Ed Joyce has expressed optimism about the squad’s potential despite recent challenges, including injuries that have affected player availability. In an official statement, he mentioned: “This tournament will be a great challenge for testing the depth of the senior squad while we manage a number of player injuries sustained over the last several months.”
He also emphasized the importance of developing a wider talent pool to meet the demands of international cricket. “Given the volume of matches and upcoming tournaments, there is a need to develop a wider talent pool of players ready to step up and cope with the demands of international cricket.”
Ireland’s fixtures for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier
Ireland’s campaign begins with a match against hosts Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium on April 9. Following this opener, they will face West Indies on April 11 and Bangladesh on April 15. The team has also scheduled warm-up matches against West Indies and Thailand prior to the tournament, with a training camp set to commence in Dubai on March 28.
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The qualifier tournament will employ a round-robin format among six teams, with the top two teams earning spots in the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup scheduled for later this year in India. This format presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to secure their place on the world stage.
Ireland’s squad for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier
Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
