Andy Balbirnie steps down as Ireland white-ball captain

Andy Balbirnie has stepped down as Ireland's white-ball captain, Cricket Ireland have announced in a press release. Balbirnie has led his side in 33 ODIs, 52 T20Is since taking over in 2019. The batter informed his teammates following Ireland's victory against Nepal in the seventh-place playoff match against Nepal at the Takashinga Sports Club, Harare. Paul Stirling will take over from Balbirnie as captain on an interim basis.

Balbirnie was going through a rough patch with the bat, having managed just 445 runs in ODIs at 31.79, scoring just four 50-plus scores in 16 innings since 2021. His returns in T20Is too was not earth-shattering having accumulated 664 runs at a strike-rate of 126.2 in T20Is in this period. Even in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers, he managed just 131 runs at 26.20 from six innings, which could have further played a role in the 32-year-old stepping down. 

“After much thought and consideration, I have made the decision to step down as ODI and T20I captain. It has been one of my great honours to lead this team over the last few years and I am hugely grateful for all the support I received on and off the pitch from the many players, coaches, Cricket Ireland and supporters of the Ireland team," Balbirnie said in a statement.

“I feel this is the right time for me, but more importantly the team. I will continue to do my best for this team and work hard to contribute towards what I hope will be a successful period over the next number of years. Thank you.”

Head coach Heinrich Malan, while thanking Balbirnie for his contribution, said Stirling will be in charge till the end of ODI series against England. Stirling will also be in charge of the side for the upcoming T20 World Cup European Qualifier, starting July 10 in Edinburgh.

“While we completely respect Andrew’s decision to step down, for me, it is a poignant day. Andrew has been an exceptionally dedicated captain during his tenure, and I have greatly enjoyed working closely with him as captain. I know this was not a decision he took lightly, but one that he considered was best for the team. As a senior member of the squad, I very much look forward to continuing to work with him into the future," Malan said.

“In terms of the captaincy going forward, Paul Stirling has agreed to take on the role on an interim basis until the end of the ODI series against England in September. Stirlo, as existing vice-captain of the squad, is someone I have also worked closely with and look forward to planning together through the next few months.”