Cricket Ireland has today confirmed that Lorcan Tucker has been appointed the new permanent T20 International captain and will lead a new-look squad into the two-match series against India Men in Belfast this week.
Tucker, 29, has 159 caps for Ireland to date across all formats, having debuted in 2016. He is captain of his Inter-Provincial side, Leinster Lightning, and has filled in twice as Ireland Men’s captain.
Speaking after training today, Lorcan Tucker said:
“It’s obviously a great privilege, and not one I thought would arrive when I started my career all those years ago. There’s a feeling of responsibility to the playing group and organisation to represent them well and also to all the other captains who came before me. I look back with admiration at all the captains that have led Ireland in the past and am proud to now join them.”
About his approach to captaincy:
“My approach to the captaincy is to lead from within and by example. I’d like to think I have good relationships with all the staff and players and can act with honesty and empathy. I feel like it’s my job to bring the best out of them and give them the opportunity to do amazing things for themselves and us as a team. If I ask things of them, I’d want it to be clear that I’d asked those things of myself first.”
About his priorities over the next cycle leading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028:
“My main goal is to bring that next group of international cricketers through and into our system. I’ve been lucky to have some very special moments, none more so than in the T20 format, and I know there are a group of young men waiting to create those same special moments for themselves. We are fortunate to have time on our side in this format, and I’d love to be at that 2028 T20 World Cup knowing I’d given those lads the chance to make this job and this team their own.”
About balancing captaincy with his wicketkeeping and top-order batting roles:
“It is tricky as a wicket-keeper, primarily, to manage the in-game affairs especially with the sixty second clock nowadays. No matter what kind of captain or player you are though, there will always be a juggling act of sorts. I suppose it is imperative that you’ve done all your preparation and looked after each of your departments beforehand to know that you can play freely and act decisively when it comes to it. Like I said, it’s a privilege to be captain and with that comes the responsibility of having your house in order.”
About the upcoming series against India:
“India are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to T20 cricket. We are fortunate to be able to measure ourselves against them right at the start of our new cycle and there will be no tougher challenge for our group than what they will offer. Coming out of the IPL, there will undoubtedly be players who want to make an impact on the international scene. I hope that we can spoil a few of those parties they might have planned and show that we also are here to make an impact.
About his views on franchise cricket:
“I think franchise cricket gives you perspective and a great insight into the modern professional era. Meeting new people and seeing how they work is invaluable for us as Irish cricketers especially with the pace of development of the game. There have been countless occasions where I’ve picked up tactical tidbits or preparation habits from senior pros or coaches that I’ve since introduced to my own game. The ability to access new information can be the catalyst to unlocking a new part of your game and the franchise leagues have it in spades.”
About Ireland Men now having a different captain for each format:
“We are fortunate to have a panel of people that Cricket Ireland deem to have qualities required to lead. A lot of what I will try to implement as captain, comes from Bal and Stirlo and watching how they have gone about things. They have been at the helm for as long as I’ve been playing professionally and am lucky to have played under them and be able to learn from them. I think each format is at different stages of their cycles now and with that comes the opportunity for each of us to lead a certain part of it..”
IRELAND MEN’S SQUAD
The squad is::
- Lorcan Tucker (c)
- Ross Adair
- Ben Calitz
- Gareth Delany
- George Dockrell
- Stephen Doheny
- Matthew Humphreys
- Gavin Hoey
- Matthew Hollard
- Liam McCarthy
- Jai Moondra
- Harry Tector
- Tim Tector
- Reuben Wilson
Selection notes:
- Six players were not available for selection as they are recovering from injury:
- Josh Little (stress fracture)
- Mark Adair (rectus muscle tear)
- Paul Stirling (torn calf muscle)
- Curtis Campher (hand fracture)
- Barry McCarthy (complete ACL tear)
- Jordan Neill (shoulder and foot injury)
- Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra have received their first call-ups to the senior Ireland Men’s squad:.
- Reuben Wilson is uncapped in T20I cricket – he made his Test debut last month against New Zealand.
Speaking about the uncapped trio, National Men’s Selector Andrew White said:
“We can’t disguise the fact that we’re hampered by injury at present, with at least five first team regulars missing due to injury. However, my view in such circumstances is that one player’s misfortune is another players opportunity. As such, we’ve named three uncapped players in the squad of 14.
“Jai Moondra is a left arm bowler who has ability to swing the ball at a decent pace potentially providing a point of difference that we need to continue to develop moving forward.
“Having impressed in the Under-19s for a period of time and following his Test Match debut last month, Reuben Wilson gets an opportunity to display his talent in the T20 format. Playing in such high-pressure environments like these will aid us immensely as we prepare the wider squad for the World Cup qualifying tournament next year.
“Matthew Hollard has the raw talent – and displays many of the attributes – to succeed in T20 cricket. I look forward to seeing what Matthew, Jai and Reuben can bring to the national set-up.”
FIXTURES
- 26 June 2026: Ireland Men v India Men – 1st T20I (Stormont; starts 1.30pm)
- 28 June 2026: Ireland Men v India Men – 2nd T20I (Stormont; starts 1.30pm)
HOW TO WATCH, FOLLOW OR ATTEND
Watch:
- In Ireland / UK, TNT Sports will show every match
- Rest of the world:
- Willow /Cricbuzz (North America, South East Asia, Middle East, North Africa, and Continental Europe)
- Sony (India)
- Supersport (Sub-Saharan Africa)
- Sky NZ (New Zealand)
- TNT (UK&ROI)
- Tapmad (Pakistan)
Follow:
- You can see all the match scores via www.cricketireland.ie
