Ireland have announced their squad for the opening three One-Day Internationals of the upcoming five-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with experienced opener Paul Stirling returning to lead the side after recovering from injury. The series, beginning on August 5, marks Ireland’s return to ODI cricket after a gap of 15 months and also signals the start of a new chapter under recently appointed head coach Gary Wilson.
The selectors have blended experience with youth, rewarding several emerging talents for their recent performances while also dealing with the absence of a number of first-choice players because of injuries. The opening two matches will be played at Bready, before the final three fixtures shift to Stormont, setting the stage for another fiercely contested chapter in the growing rivalry between the two nations.
Paul Stirling returns as injuries force changes
Ireland will be boosted by the return of skipper Paul Stirling, who missed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury. His comeback provides much-needed stability at the top of the order and restores an experienced leader ahead of an important ODI assignment.
However, the hosts will be without several key players. Fast bowlers Josh Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, David Delany, and Matt Hollard have all been ruled out through injury, forcing the selectors to reshape the bowling attack.
Despite those setbacks, Ireland have retained the core of their experienced squad. Senior players such as Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Mark Adair will provide the backbone of the side as they look to make a strong start to the series.
The squad also includes promising batter Cade Carmichael, spinner Gavin Hoey, and seamer Liam McCarthy, all of whom are expected to play important roles during the series.
Three youngsters earn maiden ODI call-ups
One of the biggest talking points of the squad announcement is the inclusion of Jai Moondra, Ben Calitz, and Byron McDonough, who have all received their maiden ODI call-ups.
Moondra and Calitz have already impressed the Irish management after being part of Ireland’s memorable T20I series victory over reigning T20 world champions India earlier this year. Their consistent performances and ability to handle pressure have now earned them opportunities in the 50-over format.
McDonough’s selection further highlights Ireland’s commitment to rewarding domestic performances and building depth ahead of a busy international calendar. With Ireland beginning a fresh ODI cycle, the series against Afghanistan offers the trio an ideal platform to establish themselves at the international level.
Gary Wilson eager to begin new era
The Afghanistan series will also mark Gary Wilson‘s first assignment as Ireland’s head coach, and the former wicketkeeper-batter expressed confidence in the squad selected for the campaign. Wilson highlighted the significance of Ireland’s first ODI series in more than a year and praised the healthy competition for places that has emerged during that period. He also acknowledged the competitive history between Ireland and Afghanistan, expecting another hard-fought contest between the two sides.
According to Wilson, the selected squad reflects the brand of cricket Ireland want to play going forward, with a balance of experienced campaigners and fearless young talent capable of taking the team into the future.
Ireland squad for first three ODIs: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker.
