Wilson believes Ireland should target a deep run in the competition they will co-host in 2030
Wilson believes Ireland should target a deep run in the competition they will co-host in 2030
Ireland assistant coach Gary Wilson says their two T20 matches against India at Stormont are a great way to get “everyone excited about a Word Cup” that will be co-hosted by England, Scotland and Ireland in 2030.
The Belfast venue is in line to host matches during the tournament and local fans will get a taste of what is to come when the current world champions arrive for matches on Friday and Sunday [both 13:30 BST].
Ireland managed one win from its four matches in this year’s edition which was held in India and Sri Lanka, with the game against Zimbabwe abandoned.
Due to their ICC ranking, Ireland are assured of a place in the 2028 tournament and while their immediate focus will be on next year’s ODI World Cup qualifiers following this weekend’s T20 internationals, Wilson feels their place in the next two T20 World Cups gives them room to plan ahead for the shorter format.
“Our next T20 match will probably be in 2027,” Wilson told BBC Sport NI.
“We will have an ODI [50 overs format] focus after this and naturally so with the World Cup qualifiers coming up in the new year, so for a little while, T20 cricket will take a back seat.
“It’s a new cycle and the good thing is we know we have qualified for not just 2028, but 2030 as well and that allows real planning.
“Our desire should be for 2030 and a home World Cup where we will look to get everyone engaged and we’ll make a play like that. Why can’t we do a Kenya from 2003 and reach a semi-final or go as far as possible? That should be everyone’s goal.”
‘No better man’ than Tucker to lead Ireland
It will be something of a new-look Ireland this week with injuries depriving the side of some key figures.
However, there is also an opportunity for new faces “to test their skills against the best T20 side in the world” according to Wilson.
Leading Ireland this week will be Lorcan Tucker who has been appointed permanent T20I captain, taking over from the injured Paul Stirling.
While juggling his wicketkeeping and batting duties along with the the role as captain could prove a challenge, Wilson feels there is “no better man” to fill the role.
“He’s incredibly well planned, he’s diligent and one of our best players, so I think he is more than ready for the challenge,” he said.
“He’s the respect of his peers and staff, so I’m excited to see what he will bring.
“He’ll have his senior players on the pitch as well, so it [instruction] will get around everyone else.”
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