Particle.news
Download on the App Store
24 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Heinrich Malan Resigns and Gary Wilson Named Ireland Head Coach

Cricket Ireland says the planned change gives the new coach live preparation in an August ODI series against Afghanistan ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

Image
Image
Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan during practice at Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - May 31, 2023. Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Image

Overview

  • Malan announced his decision on Monday, June 29, 2026, less than 24 hours after Ireland completed a 2-0 T20I series win over India in Belfast.
  • Cricket Ireland immediately appointed assistant coach Gary Wilson as head coach with immediate effect, making him the first Irish-born men’s head coach in more than 30 years.
  • Cricket Ireland and Malan framed the timing as deliberate so Wilson can work with Malan during a short handover and use the five-match ODI series v Afghanistan in August to build toward the 2027 qualification window.
  • Malan departs after more than four years in charge during which Ireland qualified for three straight T20 World Cups and recorded their first three Test wins, a record Cricket Ireland credited with strengthening the national squad.
  • The change concentrates Ireland’s short-term focus on ODI readiness because the team, currently outside automatic spots, will need to advance through global qualifiers to reach the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.