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Ireland captain Paul Stirling out of T20 World Cup 2026
Ireland have been dealt a massive blow following confirmation that captain Paul Stirling will miss the remainder of the T20I World Cup due to ligament damage in his right knee. The veteran cricketer sustained the injury during Ireland’s 67-run defeat to Australia on Wednesday. Stirling hurt his knee while completing a catch in the field and later aggravated the problem when attempting a quick single after returning to the crease to bat in the same match. Subsequent medical assessments have since ruled him out for the rest of the competition.
"Paul Stirling underwent an assessment and a scan after the Australian match which has subsequently revealed ligament damage - as such, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Paul will shortly return home for rest and rehabilitation, ahead of the home summer," Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said.
"To replace Paul, we have called up Sam Topping, who is able to provide immediate cover as he is a short flight away in Chennai. Sam has been with the Northern Knights training squad and has been playing and training in similar conditions to Sri Lanka. The skill set he offers provides cover across a number of areas within the squad, which is important as Ben Calitz is also carrying a knock to his hand after the last match."
The Event Technical Committee has approved a replacement, with uncapped youngster Sam Topping drafted into Ireland’s 15-player squad with immediate effect. Although he is yet to make his international debut, he gained valuable exposure last year when he featured for Ireland A in their four-day match against Afghanistan A in Abu Dhabi.
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