Ireland are set to tour Namibia for a five-match ODI series later this month as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier. The series will give the team an opportunity to adapt to conditions ahead of the 10-team qualifying tournament, scheduled to take place in South Africa and Namibia in February-March next year.
Ireland are aiming to secure one of the four available spots at the 2027 World Cup after missing out on the previous two editions.
The senior men’s team will play all five ODIs in Windhoek, with the first match scheduled for October 22. Following the series, an Ireland Wolves squad featuring several members of the senior team will travel to Zimbabwe for two four-day matches and five one-day games in November.
Ireland have never played a men’s ODI against Namibia. Their most recent meeting in a full men’s international came during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Sharjah.
“The tours provide great opportunities for our players to familiarise themselves with the conditions and some of their potential opponents,” Ireland’s high-performance director Graeme West was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
Ireland announce squad for Namibia ODI series
Ireland have named a squad that largely resembles the one that featured in their most recent ODI series, a 4-0 defeat at home against Afghanistan in August. The only addition is left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, who last played an ODI in February 2025 but has performed well in T20 internationals since then.
Paul Stirling will lead the side, while Lorcan Tucker has been named vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The squad also includes experienced campaigners such as Andy Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and Harry Tector.
Six Ireland players – Tucker, Tector, Ross Adair, Mark Adair, Campher and Dockrell – were recently picked at the ILT20 auction following an agreement between Cricket Ireland and the Emirates Cricket Board. The tournament is scheduled to begin on November 21.
Most of the players selected for the Namibia series will also feature in the Ireland Wolves’ tour of Zimbabwe. Andy Balbirnie and Andy McBrine are the exceptions, while Mark Adair will join the Wolves for the four-day leg. The other five players involved in the ILT20 will have a short break before travelling to the UAE.
Josh Little has also been included in the Wolves squad for the one-day matches in Zimbabwe. The left-arm pacer has faced challenges with form and fitness in recent years, and the tour will provide him with an opportunity to get valuable game time. Humphreys will captain the Wolves across the tour.
West highlighted the importance of the upcoming assignments in providing playing opportunities to both established and emerging players.
“The squads selected for the senior men’s and Wolves tours feature the best of Irish men’s current and emerging talent, and the chance for such a large cohort of players getting away during the winter months to play outdoors on grass in warmer conditions is a welcome one,” he added.
Ireland men’s tour of Namibia: Full squad
Ireland squad: Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Jordan Neill, Paul Stirling (captain), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (vice-captain/wicketkeeper)