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Cricket Ireland on Tuesday, March 25 announced 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in Pakistan from April 9 to 19. Gaby Lewis, an all-rounder, will captain the side and will be supported by regulars Leah Paul, Sophie McMahon, Arlene Kelly, and Laura Delany. This qualification competition has six teams competing in a round-robin style. The team will leave for Dubai on March 28 to begin the training camp and will then travel to Pakistan on April 4 to play a warm-up matches against West Indies Women and Thailand Women.
Ireland also has promising young players like Amy Hunter and Kia McCartney, who have performed well in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia, earlier this year. Moreover, the national women's cricket team is excited about the return of famous players to the squad, adding experience and depth as they compete for a place in the forthcoming 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup in India.
Great challenge to test the depth of senior squad: Head coach Ed Joyce
Over the last few months, many of the players from the team have faced injuries, giving a challenge for selectors to choose the right one. The upcoming series will be quite a challenge for the team, especially for senior players, feels head coach Ed Joyce. "This tournament will be a great challenge for testing the depth of the senior squad, while we manage several player injuries that have been sustained over the last several months. 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," said Ed Joyce.
"Due to the nature of the competition, it’s going to be a whole-of-squad effort to get through this qualifier, with five 50-over matches and two warm-up games against quality opponents in a short space of time," he added.
Ireland Women's World Cup Qualifiers squad
Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast (vice-captain), 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, and Leah Paul.
