Irish cricket gets big boost as Heinrich Malan signs two-year extension as head coach of men’s team

The 43-year-old South African has transformed Ireland’s fortunes in the shortest form of the game to the point where the Boys in Green will pose a genuine threat to India and Pakistan in Group A of the World Cup.

After initially finding it difficult to settle in Dublin when he was appointed to replace Graham Ford in 2022, Malan is now an integral part of Cricket Ireland and has committed himself to stay until 2027.

“I’m delighted with the extension as it provides the squad and coaching staff with a great deal more certainty as we build on the foundations we’ve put in place over the last two years,” Malan said.

“We are a three-format squad and – despite a smaller talent pool to draw from compared to other Full Members – we have been gradually building a sustainable structure that ensures we can continue to compete and improve on all three fronts.”

After overseeing Ireland’s first Test match win in March, Malan has identified qualifying for the next 50-overs World Cup as a top priority.

“We are all conscious that we’ve missed out on playing in the last two World Cups, and qualification for the 2027 tournament will be one of the focus areas across the next three years,” he said.