Arabic version: ويلسون يستهدف تأهل أيرلندا إلى كأس العالم

According to BBC News, new Ireland head coach Gary Wilson says his side are “laser-focused” on qualifying for the 2027 50-over World Cup as they prepare to face Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series starting on Wednesday.

Ireland have not reached the 50-over World Cup since 2015 and are returning to the format for the first time in 15 months. They are ranked 12th in ODIs and will enter a 10-team qualifier next year, with one guaranteed World Cup place available. Three further sides will progress to a Super Series that will determine the final berth in the 12-team tournament.

Wilson played for Ireland at the 2011 and 2015 ODI World Cups, including the team’s victory over England in Bangalore, now Bengaluru, in 2011. He said World Cups raise Ireland’s profile and challenged the current squad to create their own firsts rather than merely aim to participate.

Ireland have scheduled 15 ODIs in the three years since the 2023 World Cup, with three lost to weather. Their Afghanistan series follows a 1-1 draw with West Indies in May 2025, their previous 50-over assignment. Cricket Ireland chief executive Sarah Keane has said the Afghanistan series carries “moral discomfort” because of the treatment of women in the country.

Jai Moondra, who impressed in Ireland’s June T20 series win over India, is set for his 50-over debut. Paul Stirling remains ODI captain, while Mark Adair and Curtis Campher return. Josh Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Matt Hollard and Jordan Neil are unavailable through injury. Afghanistan’s touring group includes Rashid Kahn and Ibrahim Zadran.

Wilson replaced Heinrich Malan following the India series in what Cricket Ireland described as a “planned transition”. He said communication would be central as he adjusts from an assistant role to responsibility for selecting players.