Injured Paul Stirling Ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026; Uncapped Sam Topping Named as Replacement

The Ireland captain, Paul Stirling, has been ruled out of the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to knee ligament damage he sustained while fielding during Ireland’s match against Australia.

Meanwhile, the tournament’s technical committee has approved Sam Topping as the replacement for Stirling in Ireland’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

The committee consists of Washim Khan (ICC general manager), Gaurav Saxena (ICC general manager – events and corporate communications), Hemang Amin (tournament director) and Shaun Pollock (independent nominee).

Topping will be seen in action for Ireland’s two remaining group-stage games, against Oman and then on February 17 against Zimbabwe in Pallekele.

Stirling who sustained the injury during the match against Australia, has ended up aggravating the niggle while running a quick single in the same match.

𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄

Unfortunately, Paul Stirling has had to withdraw from the @T20WorldCup as a result of an injury sustained in the last match.

Sam Topping has been called up as Stirling’s replacement: https://t.co/5Ch6HKxhqR@zaggleapp | #T20WorldCup | #BackingGreen… pic.twitter.com/3dSJ41FwmG

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) February 13, 2026

Speaking on his injury, Ireland’s director of High performance  Graeme West said, “Paul Stirling underwent an assessment and a scan after the Australian match, which has subsequently revealed ligament damage—as such, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Paul will shortly return home for rest and rehabilitation, ahead of the home summer.”

“To replace Paul, we have called up Sam Topping, who is able to provide immediate cover, as he is a short flight away in Chennai. Sam has been with the Northern Knights training squad and has been playing and training in similar conditions to Sri Lanka,” added West.

“The skill set he offers provides cover across a number of areas within the squad, which is important as Ben Calitz is also carrying a knock to his hand after the last match,” concluded Graeme West.

Ireland will play their next game against Oman on February 14 at Colombo.