The Irish men’s cricket team head coach, Heinrich Malan, has put pen on the paper for a new two-year contract that is set to see him lead the Ireland team until the middle of 2027. Initially appointed in January 2022 on a three-year contract, Malan’s extension comes with a clear objective. To support Ireland to ensure qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup series in October and November of that year.
World Cup qualification ambitions
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It shows that in the 2027 ODI World Cup, 14 teams will participate, out of which two are South Africa and Zimbabwe. The other 8 teams will be ranked as top teams other than the hosts and four teams will also compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifier tournament. It means that the qualification status of Ireland will still be subject to definition by the end of Heinrich Malan’s stint.
Ireland has not played the last two ODI World Cups, which were ratified for ten teams. However, they demonstrated their potential in the T20. They even won over England, the world champions, in the last T20 World Cup group stage.
Two months ago, Ireland secured their maiden Test win against Afghanistan and is scheduled to feature in the T20I World Cup that is to be held in the West Indies on June 1, 2024. Heinrich Malan said he is happy with the extension as it gave the squad and the coaching team a better view of further plans.
“I am delighted with the extension as it provides the squad and coaching staff a great deal more certainty as we work on the steps forward. Following the framework that has been started in the last two years. ”
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Heinrich Malan: Building a Three-Format Squad
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The Irish team plays in all three formats, but compared to Full Members, it has a relatively small pool of talent. Heinrich Malan noted the progress made in constructing a side capable of competing in all three formats. He highlighted the fact that the team is currently showing signs of improvement and emerging as a continental power through T20 World Cup qualifying campaigns and recent Test wins.
“Everyone is aware that we have been out of the game in the last two World Cup 50 overs, and to qualify for the 2027 Cup is one of the highlights of the agenda in the next three years,” he said.
Richard Holdsworth, High-Performance Director of Cricket Ireland, described Heinrich Malan’s contract extension as a “very straightforward decision” due to the team’s significant improvements, particularly in T20 cricket. He praised Malan’s research and strategic planning, which has led to the development of a blueprint for the team’s success.
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New Leadership Dynamics
Heinrich Malan will collaborate closely with Paul Stirling, who succeeded Andy Balbirnie as captain after Ireland failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The duo’s first ICC event together follows notable achievements, including Ireland’s first T20I win against Pakistan and a tri-series victory against the Netherlands and Scotland.
Holdsworth emphasized the strong relationship between Heinrich Malan and the team’s captains, expressing optimism for the future.
Ireland will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against India on June 5 in New York, competing in Group A alongside Canada, USA, India, and Pakistan. With an eye on long-term success, Heinrich Malan and Stirling aim to strategically position Ireland for a strong showing in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
