Ireland’s preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered an untimely setback with experienced all-rounder Laura Delany ruled out of the tournament and the upcoming tri-series due to injury, forcing a late adjustment to the squad just weeks before the global event begins.
Cricket Ireland confirmed that 18-year-old Alice Tector has been drafted into the squad as Delany’s replacement, handing one of Ireland’s brightest young prospects an opportunity on the biggest stage in women’s cricket.
The change represents a significant loss for Ireland, with Delany’s experience and all-round contributions playing an important role in the side’s development over recent years. A key figure in Ireland’s T20 setup, Delany leaves behind a substantial record in international cricket.
Across 132 Women’s T20Is, the 32-year-old has scored 1,659 runs at an average of 21.26 and a strike rate of 88.95, including four half-centuries and the highest score of 91. Her impact extends beyond batting, with Delany also establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most reliable bowling options, taking 96 wickets in T20Is at an average of 18.91 and an economy rate of 6.20. She also holds best figures of 4 for 9 in the format.
Her absence leaves Ireland without one of their most experienced leaders heading into a tournament where every game will carry enormous importance. The injury also means Delany will miss Ireland’s home tri-series featuring West Indies and Pakistan which was meant to be a crucial preparation phase to help Ireland settle combinations and build momentum before the World Cup.
Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, acknowledged both the disappointment surrounding Delany’s injury and the opportunity now opening for her replacement. “We are all devastated for Laura – she’s one of the toughest competitors that has ever played for Ireland Women, and we wish her well with her recovery,” West said.
Delany’s departure creates space for Alice Tector, who made her international debut in 2024 and is regarded as one of Ireland’s emerging talents. Still only 18, Tector enters the squad with limited international experience but considerable promise. She also comes from one of Ireland cricket’s most recognisable families, with brothers Harry Tector and Tim Tector both representing Ireland at senior level.
While her promotion arrives under unfortunate circumstances, Cricket Ireland believe the youngster has demonstrated the resilience needed to handle a major opportunity. “Alice herself has had to deal with injuries over the last 12 months, but has shown a great temperament since returning to play in 2026,” West said. She is yet to have her T20I debut.
Ireland will now hope the change does not significantly disrupt preparations ahead of a challenging tournament campaign. The upcoming tri-series against West Indies and Pakistan becomes even more important as the squad adjusts to Delany’s absence while integrating Tector into the group.
Delany’s absence leaves behind more than just numbers. With 1,659 runs and 96 wickets, she has been one of Ireland’s most influential performers in the format for more than a decade. As Ireland prepares for another global tournament challenge, replacing that experience and leadership becomes one of the side’s biggest tasks heading into the World Cup.
Ireland Women Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast (VC), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Alice Tector, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell
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