Ireland have named a 14-player squad for the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, with Gaby Lewis leading the side and Amy Hunter as vice-captain.
Lewis takes charge in the absence of star all-rounder Orla Prendergast, who has been granted permission to miss the tournament so she can continue playing in the Women's Big Bash League in Australia. Hunter steps up as her deputy.
Two players in line for international debuts
Two players are in line for their international debuts if selected. Zara Craig, a 23-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder who came through Ireland's age-group pathway and was part of the 2023 Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup squad, and 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Abbi Harrison, who represented Ireland at the 2023 and 2025 Women's Under-19 T20 World Cups.
Maritz recalled after five years
There is also a recall for all-rounder Lara Maritz, who returns after a five-year absence. Maritz made her international debut in 2017, has 43 international appearances for Ireland, and last played in 2021. Kia McCartney, who has five ODI appearances, is another player in line for a debut in the shortest format.
Tournament and fixtures
The 10-team tournament will be played in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from 12 to 25 November. Ireland are in Group A alongside Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Scotland and hosts UAE. They open their campaign against Sri Lanka on 12 November, then face the UAE on 13 November, Papua New Guinea on 16 November and Scotland on 18 November. The squad flies out to the UAE on Sunday.
Sri Lanka — 12 November
UAE — 13 November
Papua New Guinea — 16 November
Scotland — 18 November
Ireland squad
Gaby Lewis (captain)
Amy Hunter (vice-captain)
Zara Craig
Alana Dalzell
Laura Delany
Georgina Dempsey
Abbi Harrison
Louise Little
Aimee Maguire
Jane Maguire
Lara Maritz
Lara McBride
Kia McCartney
Cara Murray
Source: ICC