PAUL Stirling has stepped down as captain of Ireland’s T20 side after the side’s failed World Cup campaign last month. Stirling will continue to be available as a player and will still captain the one-day international squad.

The move allows Cricket Ireland to blood a new captain in the newest format, with vice-captain Lorcan Tucker likely to step up to the role.

Stirling, 35, was appointed the white-ball captain in 2023 and led the Irish team at T20 World Cups in USA in 2024 and Sri Lanka last month. Ireland won just one of their eight games at those tournaments.

Ireland will now have separate captains for each of the three formats, with Andrew Balbirnie heading up the Test side.

Stirling said: ‘After careful thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as captain of Ireland’s T20 side.

‘It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I’m very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role. I remain fully committed to the Ireland team and will continue in my role as ODI captain.

‘I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field.

‘Representing Ireland remains the greatest privilege of my career and I am as motivated as ever to help the team continue to grow and achieve success in the years ahead.’