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[Saba Sports News] Fast bowler Josh Little, included in Ireland’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, will join his national team after fulfilling his IPL commitments with the Gujarat Titans for the 2024 season.
Cricket Ireland has permitted Little to skip the three T20Is against Pakistan at home from May 10-14 and a tri-series in the Netherlands from May 19-24, which also includes the host nation and Scotland. The team, led by Paul Stirling, will start their World Cup journey with a warm-up match against Sri Lanka on May 31 and are placed in a group with India, Pakistan, USA, and Canada during the tournament’s initial phase.
The squad features newcomers such as batsman Mark Adair, wicketkeeper-batsman Neil Rock, and leg-spinner Ben White, who did not participate in the last World Cup in Australia, where Ireland achieved notable victories over the West Indies and eventual champions England. Not returning this time are players like Simi Singh, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, and Conor Olphert.
Heinrich Malan, the head coach of Ireland Men’s team, emphasized the careful development and trial of the squad over the past 18 months, noting that the necessary skill sets are covered. He confirmed that Josh Little would remain in the IPL until his team’s campaign ends, joining the national squad just before the World Cup. Malan also highlighted the intensity of the upcoming schedule, with seven games in 15 days serving as critical preparation, not mere warmups, as they aim to maximize their wins leading into the World Cup.
“This is the final stretch before the T20 World Cup kicks off, and it will be a challenging couple of weeks, but we’re ready to tackle whatever is thrown at us,” Malan stated, emphasizing the readiness and ambition of the team heading into the tournament.