Wilson hurried into head coach role as Malan steps down

IN a surprise move, Cricket Ireland quickly installed former white ball captain Gary Wilson after head coach Heinrich Malan stepped down yesterday.

Malan resigned at arguably the highest point of his four-year reign, with the cheers from Ireland’s 2-0 series win over India still ringing in his ears.

The announcement of his replacement came less than an hour later, with the organisation bypassing any recruitment process and ushering in Malan’s No.2 with little ceremony.

For an organisation that touts its high ethical standards it was a surprisingly peremptory transition without any competition.

Cricket Ireland said last night that the High Performance cricket committee was not consulted about the appointment, nor had it been when the women’s coach was installed.

The appointment was made by HP Director Graeme West, supported by CEO Sarah Keane. When asked why the post did not go to competition, CI said: ‘There was no competitive process for several different reasons as follows: ‘In Gary Wilson we believe we possess an outstanding leader who will transition seamlessly into the Head Coach role, and who has undergone mentoring for this role through his work with the exiting Head Coach; he has strong relationships with the support staff and is well respected by the players.

‘This allows for continued momentum and impetus as we prepare for important ODI games in August and the ODI World Cup qualifier in 2027.

‘We believe that, even with another local candidate, the process, and the transition would have impacted negatively on the team’s prep for 2027 and beyond.

‘The HP structure is in transition on several fronts, and we expect there to be other opportunities to be involved with Irish teams over the coming months.’

When asked was CI happy that its corporate governance obligations are being followed given the increasing reliance on state funding from both jurisdictions, it replied: ‘Whilst the matter was not discussed with the HP Committee, an internal governance process was followed which allowed for speedy, confidential and questioning input. We are comfortable that a process was followed and that the right person has been chosen.’

It is a surprise that CI did not at least look at local candidates. Ireland’s greatest-ever batsman, Ed Joyce, is currently working as batting coach with English county Gloucestershire, while John Mooney resigned yesterday as fielding coach of Afghanistan.

Joyce’s work with the Ireland women’s side from 2019-25 spurred a revival in their fortunes and laid the foundations for their recent successes.

Wilson, 40, played 292 times for Ireland from 2005-20 as a wicket-keeper batsman, scoring one century, and played county cricket with Surrey and Derbyshire. He coached North-West Warriors in the interpros for one season before being appointed assistant to Graham Ford.

He is the first Irish permanent head coach, after a very brief sojourn by Ian Johnston in the 1990s. He will work with Malan for the next month before taking over in time for the ODI series against Afghanistan in early August.

Wilson said: ‘Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me.

‘I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with some of the best coaches around and have had the opportunity to learn so much. My coaching beliefs are centred around strong communication, building and maintaining relationships to get the best out of players, hard work, a player-centred focus, and setting high challenges for those who are driven to succeed.

‘Above all, the power of the connection to the shamrock is something I’ve witnessed and is something I intend on using to our advantage.

‘I’d like to put on record my thanks to Heinrich – he has allowed me to have the responsibility that has put me in a  position to be ready for this role and for that I am truly grateful. We have had some great days in that time, and I wish him and his family all the very best.’

Malan has been Ireland coach since April 2022. Born in Pretoria, he had a modest playing career in South Africa before moving to New Zealand, where he coached Central Districts and Auckland Aces.

During his reign Ireland played 104 matches, winning 40. The side had notable wins over West Indies, England, South Africa, Pakistan and India, but failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. He also oversaw Ireland’s three consecutive Test wins and three T20 World Cup campaigns.

His reign was sometimes controversial in that he was more willing than his predecessors to select players who had not come through the Irish pathway system. Of the 19 new caps he awarded, ten came from southern Africa, with just eight born in Ireland.

He said: ‘It has been a privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community. My family and I will look back on our time in Irish cricket with great affection.

‘We can look back with great pride on our historic T20 World Cup victory against England in Melbourne, our first-ever Test victory against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, the first home Test win vs Zimbabwe in Belfast, the historic T20 series win at home vs India and beating Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa as well as direct qualifications for T20 WCs.

‘Thank you to the players, coaches and staff for believing in our shared vision – it has been a very special journey.’