Andy Balbirnie dropped for T20Is as Ireland name squad for South Africa series

Ireland have announced their white-ball squads for the upcoming series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates, marking their return to limited-overs cricket following their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. One of the notable decisions was the exclusion of Test captain Andy Balbirnie from the T20I squad.

Despite being Ireland’s second-highest T20I run-scorer, Balbirnie has struggled with form this year, averaging 24.83 in 12 innings with a strike rate of 113.74. His absence from Leinster Lightning’s most recent T20 match indicated potential changes, with Lorcan Tucker possibly replacing him as Paul Stirling’s opening partner.

Selector Andrew White explained that the team is exploring new dynamics at the top of the order in the T20 format, with Balbirnie sitting out this series but remaining central to Ireland’s ODI plans, where he will continue to open. The series against South Africa is seen as the start of a new cycle for the team, with an eye on the upcoming ICC events in 2026 and 2027.

“We’ll be looking at introducing a new dynamic, with Andrew Balbirnie sitting out the T20Is on this occasion. There are only two T20Is in the upcoming series, but they will offer important opportunities as we try to increase our levels of performance,” White said.

However, White reaffirmed that Balbirnie remains a crucial part of Ireland’s plans and will return to open the batting in the ODI series against South Africa.

White also emphasized that this series marks the beginning of a new cycle for Ireland as they prepare for major ICC events in 2026 (Men’s T20 World Cup) and 2027 (Men’s Cricket World Cup).

“2026 and 2027 are pivotal years for our white-ball squads – those years being the next T20 and 50-over World Cups respectively. Given their timeframes, it means we are looking at this upcoming series against South Africa as the start of a new cycle,” White said.

“We need to deepen our pool of international cricketers and for the likes of Gavin Hoey, he will come into the international arena with greater confidence following his involvement in such fixtures and this is hugely important. The volume of international fixtures leading into 2027 is exciting and there will be opportunities for players to make their mark.”

Ireland’s squads feature experienced players like Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, and Harry Tector, while the T20I squad also includes fresh faces like Matthew Humphreys and Ben White, signaling Ireland’s intent to build for the future.

Ireland Men’s ODI squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young

Ireland Men’s T20I squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White,