Eighteen-year-old Alice Tector has earned a spot in Ireland’s squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, stepping in as an injury replacement for Laura Delany. Delany’s problem is serious enough to keep her out of the tournament itself and also a lead-in tri-series that will be played against the West Indies and Pakistan, starting on May 28.
Details of the injury have not been made public, but the timing adds pressure for Ireland as they move into World Cup mode. Delany’s absence is a particularly heavy blow given the role she has filled for Ireland across seasons and match situations.
Quick facts
- Alice Tector is drafted into Ireland’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Laura Delany.
- Delany’s injury is not disclosed, but she is ruled out of the World Cup and a tri-series beginning May 28 involving West Indies and Pakistan.
- Delany has played 132 women’s T20 internationals, scoring 1659 runs and taking 96 wickets.
- Tector has not yet debuted in T20Is, but has appeared in five ODIs for Ireland since debuting against Sri Lanka in 2024.
- Ireland’s World Cup group includes England (hosts), West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Scotland.
- Ireland open their campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 13.
Delany, who is 33, is Ireland’s most experienced women’s T20 international player. Across 132 matches in the format, she has contributed with both bat and ball, accumulating 1659 runs and claiming 96 wickets—numbers that underline why her all-round output has been so crucial to the team.
Tector, in contrast, is still waiting for her T20 international debut. However, she has already represented Ireland in five ODIs, with her international start coming against Sri Lanka in 2024.
Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, shared the team’s concern for Delany. He said the entire group is devastated for Laura, describing her as one of the toughest competitors to have played for Ireland Women, and added that everyone is wishing her the best for a full recovery.
West also referenced Tector’s recent journey back from setbacks. He noted that Tector has had to manage injuries over the previous 12 months, but has shown strong character and temperament since returning to action in 2026.
World Cup group and Ireland’s schedule
Ireland will face a tough test in the tournament’s group stage, drawn alongside hosts England, along with West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Scotland. The opening fixture places Ireland against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 13.
Ireland squad for the T20 World Cup 2026
- Gaby Lewis (c)
- Orla Prendergast (vc)
- Ava Canning
- Christina Coulter Reilly
- Alana Dalzell
- Georgina Dempsey
- Amy Hunter
- Arlene Kelly
- Louise Little
- Aimee Maguire
- Lara McBride
- Cara Murray
- Leah Paul
- Rebecca Stokell
- Alice Tector
