- Laura Delany ruled out of Ireland’s T20 World Cup squad through injury
- Alice Tector earns maiden senior T20 World Cup Call-Up at 18
- Ireland begin World Cup preparations in tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies
Ireland have been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup with experienced campaigner Laura Delany ruled out through injury just weeks before the tournament begins in England.
Ireland have turned to 18-year-old all-rounder Alice Tector as they reshape their plans ahead of the opening fixture against Scotland in Manchester on June 13.
Delany injury leaves Ireland with major setback
Ireland will feel Delany’s absence deeply after the former captain established herself as one of the side’s most dependable figures across the past decade with 207 international appearances in ODI and T20I cricket.
Her leadership and competitive edge have long made her a central figure in Ireland’s rise on the global stage.
Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance Graeme West admitted the loss was a painful one for the squad.
“There is huge disappointment for Laura because she is one of the fiercest competitors to wear the Ireland shirt. Everyone involved with the team wishes her the very best during her recovery,” West said.
Read more: Women’s T20 World Cup Team Preview: Ireland
Alice Tector earns long awaited opportunity
While Delany’s injury is a blow, Ireland have turned toward youth with confidence by handing Tector a place on the biggest stage in women’s cricket.
The teenager has already played five ODIs since making her debut in 2024 and could make her first T20I appearance during the upcoming home tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies.
That series, which begins on Thursday, is expected to provide Ireland with a crucial final tune-up before the World Cup campaign gets underway.
Strong domestic form boosts T20 World Cup Call-Up
Tector arrives with growing momentum behind her. Despite dealing with injuries over the past year, the promising all-rounder impressed in the Cricket Ireland Women’s Super T20 Series where she scored 109 runs at a strike rate above 118 and claimed three wickets across six matches.
West praised her resilience and composure since returning to action earlier this year.
“Alice has shown tremendous character after a difficult spell with injuries. Since coming back she has played with maturity and confidence and this is a deserved opportunity for her,” he said.
The call-up also adds another chapter to one of Ireland cricket’s most recognisable families. Alice is the younger sister of Ireland men’s international Harry Tector and her rise has already attracted considerable attention within Irish cricket circles.
Also read: What we learned from England Women vs New Zealand Women
Ireland finalise squads for busy summer
Ireland’s World Cup squad will be led by captain Gaby Lewis with Orla Prendergast serving as vice-captain. Prendergast will also captain the side during the tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies.
Ireland Women’s T20 World Cup squad:
Gaby Lewis (captain), Orla Prendergast (vice-captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Alice Tector, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell.
Ireland squad for tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies:
Orla Prendergast (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Alice Tector, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell.
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