The Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan has decided to step down from the role with immediate effect after a historic win over India in a two-match T20I series.
Despite his contract with Cricket Ireland running till early 2027, Malan is set to step down, stating that it was the right time for a new coach to step in ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup qualifiers.
Heinrich Malan was appointed as the Ireland Men’s head coach in January 2022 on a three-year contract, which was further extended in 2024.
Under his guidance, Ireland qualified for three consecutive T20 World Cups in 2022, 2024 and 2026 editions of the tournament.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community. My family and I have had a wonderful experience living here, and we will look back on our time involved in Irish cricket with great affection,” Malan said in a statement.
“On the field, 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 WC’s through our consistent ability to challenge and beat the world’s top teams.”
Cricket Ireland’s High Performance director, Graeme West, said, “I have very much enjoyed working with Heinrich over the last two years and thank him for his outstanding contribution during that time.”
“He joined us at a challenging period and has played a key role in progressing the Ireland Men’s set-up – from World Cup qualifications to historic Test wins, and in developing the depth of our playing group.
“Over recent months, we have been discussing the upcoming World Cup Qualifier cycle and what would best support the squad’s preparation. In those conversations, Heinrich expressed a desire to step back at this point, which aligned with our focus on ensuring continuity heading into that campaign.”
“I would like to thank Heinrich for his dedication to the head coach role – through his leadership, he has worked hard to increase the depth of playing talent within the Irish system, which will benefit the squad immensely over the coming months and years. We wish Heinrich and his family well for the future,” Graeme West concluded.
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