Ireland announce squad for ODIs against Afghanistan, include pacer of Indian origin

Left-arm seamer Jai Moondra has been rewarded for his series-defining performance against India as Ireland have named him in their 14-member squad for the first three of the five-match ODI series against Afghanistan.

Paul Stirling will lead the group as Ireland are currently in a three-way race with Afghanistan and West Indies to secure automatic ODI World Cup 2027 qualification. This will be the first series as head coach for Gary Wilson. He replaced Heinrich Malan after the latter stepped down following a 2-0 historic series win over India last month.

Ireland had limited resources to pick from for the Afghanistan series as several prominent players, like Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Matt Hollard, and Craig Young, among others, are currently unavailable for selection. They are either recovering from injuries or "are going through a return to play protocol".

Moondra, 29, finished the India series as the second-highest wicket-taker behind teammate Hollard. Moondra, who is of Indian origin, claimed five wickets, averaging 11.40 at an economy rate of 7.12. He has 14 wickets in nine List A games at an average of 30.57 and an economy rate of 6.04.

Wicketkeeper batter Ben Calitz, who is uncapped in ODIs, has also been named in the squad. Calitz has aggregated 545 runs in 16 List A games at an impressive average of 41.92, including one hundred and three fifties.

Right-arm medium pacer Byron McDonough has earned his maiden call-up. McDonough has played nine List A games and bagged 15 wickets, averaging 29.33, including a four-wicket haul.

Cricket Ireland's national selector, Andrew White, feels the addition of young blood will bolster the team.

“We are particularly pleased to have Jai Moondra and Byron McDonough in the squad," White said in a media release issued by Cricket Ireland. Both players bring different attributes that we believe can have a real impact over the course of the series, while Gavin Hoey provides a genuine wicket-taking threat through the middle overs with his ability to spin the ball both ways and create pressure on opposition batters.

“From a batting perspective, Ben Calitz’s powerful and dynamic approach gives the squad valuable options in the middle to lower order. His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset.”

Ireland squad for first three ODIs against Afghanistan

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker

Afghanistan's tour of Ireland 2026