Cricket Ireland has released its annual central contract list, ahead of the women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the men’s T20I series against England. Matthew Humphreys, a left-arm spinner, has been awarded a full-time contract following his outstanding Test performance against Zimbabwe. He was on the retainer contract last year.
Sarah Forbes, a top-order batter, has also been offered a full-time contract following her performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier campaign. The Ireland contract structure has changed over time, and it is a key component for Cricket Ireland in tailoring contracts to the unique circumstances of each player.
Non-contracted players are occasionally selected and handed a ‘casual’ contract for the duration of the contract year.
Greame West, Director of High Performance for Cricket Ireland, believes that the key contracts were handed to Ireland’s greatest cricketing talent.
“They give athletes the time and opportunity to receive specialised coaching, as well as healthcare and lifestyle support services, resulting in a more comprehensive approach to player development. Cricket Ireland’s investment in these contracts contributes to the future of our sport by assuring our competitiveness and visibility on a global scale, as well as by establishing role models and heroes to inspire a new generation to join the sport,” West said the ICC.
Centrally-contracted Players
Full-time contracts:
Men: Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young
Women: Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent
Part-year contracts: Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Foster, Liam McCarthy, Morgan Topping
Educational contracts: Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
Casual contracts: Abbi Harrison, Kia McCartney, Jenni Jackson, Lara McBride, Ellie McGee
India
