Dublin – Cricket Ireland has today named the Ireland Men’s squad for the first three matches of the upcoming One-Day International series against Afghanistan – a five-match series to be held at Bready and Stormont starting next week.
Newly appointed Head Coach Gary Wilson leads the coaching unit in a series for the first time as the focus for Ireland Men now turns to ODIs. Injuries are still an issue for Wilson, with a number of players sidelined for the series while others will be assessed after the first three games of the series. At that point, player fitness will be assessed and the decision will be made as to whether a change in the squad is warranted.
Jai Moondra gets his opportunity to debut in the 50-over format after his performances in the recent India T20I series and 24-year old pace bowler Byron McDonough receives his first call-up to the national side after impressing in the recently concluded Inter-Provincial 50-over Cup, helping Leinster Lightning to the title. Ben Calitz also receives his first ODI squad call-up.
Andrew White, Cricket Ireland’s National Selector, said:
“I think everyone will be really excited to see the team back on the field following the historic victories over India in June. Those results were a special achievement for the group, and I know they will be looking forward to building on that momentum as we return to One-Day International cricket”
“This five-game series provides a great opportunity for the squad to test themselves against world class opposition.
“We are particularly pleased to have Jai Moondra and Byron McDonough in the squad. Both players bring different attributes that we believe can have a real impact over the course of the series while Gavin Hoey provides a genuine wicket taking threat through the middle overs with his ability to spin the ball both ways and create pressure on opposition batters.
“From a batting perspective, Ben Calitz’s powerful and dynamic approach gives the squad valuable options in the middle to lower order. His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset.”
Gary Wilson, Ireland Men’s Head Coach, said:
“I am very much looking forward to the series against Afghanistan. These are our first ODIs in 15 months and in the intervening period, many players have put their hand up for selection which is a great place to be. We are leaving players out who rightly believe they are good enough to be selected, however, we have full faith in the squad that we have picked.
“There is a great rivalry that has built up over the years between the two teams, and I expect that to continue during this series. We have selected a squad that is reflective of the way in which we want to play. We want to play the conditions and situations in front of us but ultimately be dynamic and look for opportunities to put pressure on the opposition.
“With the ball, we want to be consistently looking for wickets and in the field we want to hunt down chances and be known for a never say die attitude that is synonymous with great Irish sides, of which we believe this is one.”
IRELAND MEN’S ODI SQUAD
- Paul Stirling (c)
- Mark Adair
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Ben Calitz
- Curtis Campher
- Cade Carmichael
- George Dockrell
- Gavin Hoey
- Andrew McBrine
- Liam McCarthy
- Byron McDonough
- Jai Moondra
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
Selection notes:
- Six players were not available for selection as they are either recovering from injury or are going through a return to play protocol:
- Josh Little
- Matt Hollard
- Craig Young
- Barry McCarthy
- Jordan Neill
- David Delany
- Byron McDonough has received his first call-up to the senior Ireland Men’s squad.
- Jai Moondra and Ben Calitz are uncapped in ODI cricket – both have played T20I cricket.
SERIES DETAILS
Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men’s One-Day International Series
- 5 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
- 7 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
- 10 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Stormont; starts 10.45am)
- 12 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Stormont; starts 10.45am)
- 15 August 2026: Ireland Men v Afghanistan Men – ODI (Stormont; starts 10.45am)
Tickets to the series are available via www.cricketireland.ie.
