Cricket Ireland has officially unveiled their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, which will be played in the UAE from September 28 to October 7. The series features two T20Is and three ODIs, with the teams squaring off in Abu Dhabi. Notably, Test captain Andrew Balbirnie has been excluded from the T20I squad, as Ireland looks to experiment with their lineup.

The series will kick off with the T20Is on September 27 and 28, followed by the ODIs scheduled for October 2, 4, and 7. Ireland will aim to put up a stronger fight, as South Africa has dominated their previous encounters in the shortest format, winning the T20I series in 2021 and 2022 by 3-0 and 2-0 margins, respectively. However, in the 2021 ODI series, the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw.

In a media statement, Ireland’s national selector Andrew White discussed the significance of this series as the beginning of a new era for Irish cricket. With key World Cups on the horizon in 2026 (T20) and 2027 (ODI).

“2026 and 2027 are pivotal years for our white-ball squads – those years being the next T20 and 50-over World Cups respectively. Given their timeframes, it means we are looking at this upcoming series against South Africa as the start of a new cycle,” White explained. He also highlighted the absence of players like Morgan Topping and Liam McCarthy, who were under consideration but are currently sidelined with injuries.

One of the most significant changes is the omission of Test captain Andrew Balbirnie from the T20I squad. White explained that this decision was made to introduce new dynamics in the top order, although Balbirnie remains a key player in the ODI setup.

“One area we will explore on this tour is the top order in our T20 squad. We’ll be looking at introducing a new dynamic, with Andrew Balbirnie sitting out the T20Is on this occasion,” White said. “There are only two T20Is in the upcoming series, but they will offer important opportunities as we try to increase our levels of performance again. Andrew remains very much central to our thoughts and will open the batting in the ODIs"

Ireland Men’s ODI squad:

Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young

Ireland Men’s T20I squad:

Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young