With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier just around the corner, Ireland have announced a formidable 15-player squad set to take on some of the best teams in the competition. The Gaby Lewis-led side will lock horns with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland, Thailand, and the West Indies in the high-stakes tournament, which begins on April 9.
A blend of experience and youth marks Ireland’s squad selection, with key names like Leah Paul, Sophie MacMahon, Arlene Kelly, and record appearance-maker Laura Delany providing a solid foundation. At the same time, emerging talents such as Amy Hunter and Kia McCartney bring an exciting dimension to the team, having impressed at the ICC U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year.
The squad is further strengthened by the return of several notable players, adding much-needed depth as Ireland push for a place in the prestigious 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Speaking about the squad selection, Ireland Women’s Head Coach Ed Joyce emphasized the importance of testing the team’s depth, particularly given recent injury concerns within the senior setup.
“This tournament will be a great challenge for testing the depth of the senior squad, while we manage a number of player injuries that have been sustained over the last several months. Given the volume of matches and upcoming tournaments, there is a need to develop a wider talent pool of players ready to step up and cope with the demands of international cricket.”
The inclusion of fresh faces in the squad highlights Ireland’s commitment to developing its talent pool, ensuring that the team is well-equipped for the rigorous schedule ahead.
Conditions in Pakistan are expected to favor spinners, and Ireland have adjusted their squad accordingly. Two key additions are finger-spinner Kia McCartney, making her debut senior tour, and leg-spinner Cara Murray, who returns to the squad.
“Finger-spinner Kia McCartney is coming in for her first senior tour, and leg-spinner Cara Murray will also be returning – both these players will play a key role in a country where spin bowling will be important.”
Additionally, Sophie MacMahon and Louise Little rejoin the squad after missing out on recent selections, while Amy Hunter’s return from injury provides a significant boost to the batting lineup.
Ahead of the Qualifiers, Ireland faced tough challenges against top-tier opposition. They played a three-match ODI series against India earlier this year but fell short, losing 3-0. Despite the results, there were notable individual performances, with captain Gaby Lewis leading from the front. She was the highest scorer for Ireland in the series, amassing 105 runs across three innings, including a brilliant 92-run knock.
Orla Prendergast stood out with the ball, claiming four wickets in three matches, making her Ireland’s top wicket-taker in the series and the third overall.
Before their India tour, Ireland traveled to Bangladesh for another three-match ODI series, where they again suffered a 3-0 defeat. Amy Hunter was the standout batter in that series, scoring 91 runs across three matches, while Aimee Maguire led the bowling attack with three wickets.
There are several changes to the squad compared to the one that played against India in January. Players like Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, and Cara Murray have earned a spot in the Qualifier squad. On the other hand, Georgina Dempsey, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, and Rebecca Stokell have been left out.
With a well-balanced squad and a clear strategy in place, Ireland are set to embark on a crucial campaign that could see them take a big step toward securing a spot in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Ireland Squad for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers:
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast
Ireland will kick off their campaign against hosts Pakistan on April 9. Their matches against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, while their clash against Thailand is scheduled at LCCA.
Loves all things female cricket
