Ireland have unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, with captain Gaby Lewis ready to lead the side on the biggest stage of her captaincy career. The squad announcement also brought a major boost for the Irish camp as off-spinner Aimee Maguire has recovered from injury in time for the tournament. However, Ireland suffered a setback with medium pacer Jane Maguire being ruled out due to a knee injury.
The tournament will mark Ireland’s fifth appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup, and expectations are high as the side looks to challenge some of the strongest teams in world cricket. Lewis, who took over the captaincy from Laura Delany in 2024, will captain Ireland at a major ICC tournament for the first time.
Aimee Maguire returns at the right time
One of the biggest positives for Ireland ahead of the marquee event is the return of Aimee. The talented spinner has been declared fit after recovering from injury and will add valuable depth to Ireland’s bowling attack. Her comeback comes at an important moment for the side, especially after the unfortunate injury to her sister Jane. She sustained a knee injury during the ongoing Cricket Ireland Women’s Super T20 Series and was subsequently ruled out of World Cup contention. The absence of the pace bowler is a disappointing blow for Ireland, considering her growing influence in the national setup.
Despite the setback, Ireland’s selectors have backed a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent.
Gaby Lewis confident of being fit before tournament begins
Although Gaby has been named captain, she will miss the upcoming tri-series involving West Indies and Pakistan as she continues her recovery from an injury suffered during her stint with Lancashire in the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup.
In her absence, vice-captain Orla Prendergast will lead Ireland in the tri-series, which begins on May 28 in Clontarf. Gaby, however, reassured fans during the press conference following the squad announcement that she expects to be fully fit before the World Cup gets underway.
Her return will be crucial for Ireland, with the skipper playing a key role both as a batter and leader. Gaby has been one of Ireland’s most consistent performers in recent years and remains central to their hopes of causing a few surprises in England.
Tough challenge awaits Ireland in Group 2
Ireland have been placed in a highly competitive Group 2 alongside hosts England women’s cricket team, reigning champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and West Indies.
Ireland will begin their campaign against Scotland in Manchester on June 13, a fixture that could prove crucial in shaping their tournament journey.
Ireland squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
