Ireland name 2022 T20 World Cup squad, Andy McBrine misses out

Ireland have made four changes to the squad which missed out on qualification for the Super 12s in 2021

Ireland have named their 15-strong squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup, with Andy McBrine the only notable absentee.

The 28-year-old, who has 32 T20I caps but was dropped during Ireland's recent series against Afghanistan, is one of four changes to the squad which failed to reach the Super 12s in 2021.

Kevin O'Brien (retired), wicketkeeper Neil Rock and Ben White are the other three absentees from last year's tournament, with Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy (a reserve in 2021) and Conor Olphert coming into the squad.

Andrew Balbirnie will once again captain Ireland, with Paul Stirling serving as his vice-captain.

^{Andy McBrine is one of four changes from 2021 [Ashley Crowden/Getty Images]}

Chair of men's selectors, Andrew White, said: "It's an exciting time for Irish cricket as we embark on another major global tournament.

"Over the last year we have been building a solid core squad, while creating more depth in our T20 cricket. I think fans have started to see the positive strides the players have been making in this format – especially with the series win over Afghanistan - and we hope we can take this momentum into the tournament in Australia.

"Our belief is that this T20 World Cup is not an end point but the beginning of a new era. The age profile of this squad makes our future prospects very exciting, and after a season of eye-catching performances we have seen a greater level of interest in our players by teams in franchise tournaments around the world, which is a positive sign.

"One of the most considered decisions we had to make was around our spin bowling options. With George Dockrell and Gareth Delany both having an impact this summer and the variation they bring to the attack, it came down to making a choice between Simi Singh and Andy McBrine. Andy can feel very unfortunate to have missed out this time, but we believe Simi offers more variation on Australian wickets with his ability to take the ball away from both right and left handers.

"We believe this is one of the strongest T20 squads we have sent to a World Cup and wish the team and coaching staff well for the tournament ahead."

Ireland, who have lost 10 of their past 13 T20Is, have been placed in Group B alongside Scotland, West Indies and Zimbabwe and will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe in Hobart on October 17.

Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling (vc), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Conor Olphert, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young

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