IRELAND CRICKET COACH Heinrich Malan is stepping down after more than four years in the role.
The 45-year-old South African was appointed to the job in 2022 and oversaw three consecutive T20 World Cup qualifications, Ireland’s first three Test match victories, and the development of a wider pool of international-standard players.
Malan’s contract was due to expire in 2027, but he believes the timing is right, following a landmark series win over India in Belfast.
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Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland have announced that Gary Wilson will succeed Malan, becoming the first Irish-born head coach of the men’s team in over 30 years – John Wills in the early 1990s was the last before him.
Wilson represented Ireland 292 times over the course of a 15-year international career before retiring in 2020.
He previously coached the North West Warriors and then became Ireland’s assistant coach in 2022.
The new man’s first task will be navigating the ODI series against Afghanistan in August, which will serve as preparation for the 50-over World Cup qualifiers early in 2027.
Malan will work alongside Wilson over the next month to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community,” Malan said. “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.
“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.
“Thank you to the players, coaches and staff for believing in our shared vision — it has been a very special journey.”
“Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to now take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me,” Wilson added.
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Ireland cricket coach steps down following historic victories
Updated at 11.59
IRELAND CRICKET COACH Heinrich Malan is stepping down after more than four years in the role.
The 45-year-old South African was appointed to the job in 2022 and oversaw three consecutive T20 World Cup qualifications, Ireland’s first three Test match victories, and the development of a wider pool of international-standard players.
Malan’s contract was due to expire in 2027, but he believes the timing is right, following a landmark series win over India in Belfast.
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland have announced that Gary Wilson will succeed Malan, becoming the first Irish-born head coach of the men’s team in over 30 years – John Wills in the early 1990s was the last before him.
Wilson represented Ireland 292 times over the course of a 15-year international career before retiring in 2020.
He previously coached the North West Warriors and then became Ireland’s assistant coach in 2022.
The new man’s first task will be navigating the ODI series against Afghanistan in August, which will serve as preparation for the 50-over World Cup qualifiers early in 2027.
Malan will work alongside Wilson over the next month to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community,” Malan said. “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.
“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.
“Thank you to the players, coaches and staff for believing in our shared vision — it has been a very special journey.”
“Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to now take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me,” Wilson added.
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Afghanistan Cricket Heinrich Malan India Ireland Wave Goodbye