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Wilson replaces Malan as Ireland head coach

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Heinrich Malan's last game as head coach was the historic Twenty20 series win over India

By Andy Gray

BBC Sport NI Journalist

Published 3 hours ago

Heinrich Malan has stood down as head coach of Ireland's men's cricket team, less than 24 hours after the historic Twenty20 series win over world champions India.

He will be replaced by former Ireland international Gary Wilson.

Wilson made 292 international appearances as a player and will become the Irish-born head coach of Ireland's men since John Wills in 1994.

The 40-year-old, who retired in 2020, had been an assistant coach with Ireland in 2022.

Malan has left as part of what Cricket Ireland says is a "planned transition", and Wilson will be in place for a five-game one-day international series with Afghanistan in August.

South Africa's Malan, 45, was in charge of Ireland since 2022 and his final game was a dramatic one-run victory over India to clinch the T20 series on Sunday in Belfast, which followed a first-ever victory over the world champions in any format on Friday.

Other highlights of Malan's tenure include victory over England in the T20 World Cup in 2022 in Melbourne and a first-ever Test victory over Afghanistan two years later.

Malan also led Ireland to a first test win on home soil when they beat Zimbabwe in Belfast in 2024.

His contract was set to run into early 2027, and he will work alongside Wilson for a "smooth transition" ahead of the ODI series with Afghanistan.

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Wilson, who played for Surrey and Derbyshire at county level, said that taking on the head coach role with Ireland is a "very special honour that means a great deal to me".

"I have been extremely fortunate over the years to have worked with some of the best coaches around and have had the opportunity to learn so much," he added.

"My coaching beliefs have been shaped by each coach I have worked with, and are centred around strong communication, building and maintaining relationships to get the best out of players, hard work, a player-centred focus, and setting high challenges for those who are driven to succeed.

"Above all, the power of the connection to the Shamrock is something I've witnessed and is something I intend on using to our advantage.

Graham West, Cricket Ireland's director of high performance, said that Wilson has "demonstrated strong leadership qualities as both a player and as a coach".

"Gary comes into the role at a crucial time in the World Cup Qualifier cycle and will now have valuable time to work with the squad during the build-up to the tournament, beginning with the Afghanistan series next month," he said.

"Looking longer term - with his extensive background in international and county cricket - Gary will have a wealth of insights and experience to call upon as we develop and deliver on a high performance strategy."

'A very special journey'

Malan said he would look back at his time in Irish cricket with "great affection" and he believes it is the right time to leave the role.

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community," said Malan.

"Thank you to the players, coaches and staff for believing in our shared vision - it has been a very special journey."

West said Malan had made an "outstanding contribution" throughout his tenure.

"Over recent months, we have been discussing the upcoming World Cup Qualifier cycle and what would best support the squad's preparation," he said.

"In those conversations, Heinrich expressed a desire to step back at this point, which aligned with our focus on ensuring continuity heading into that campaign."

West added that Malan has shown "great dedication" in his time with Ireland, and leaves good foundations to build off in the future.

"He joined us at a challenging period and has played a key role in progressing the Ireland Men's set-up - from World Cup qualifications to historic Test wins, and in developing the depth of our playing group."

"Through his leadership, he has worked hard to increase the depth of playing talent within the Irish system, which will benefit the squad immensely over the coming months and years."

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Wilson replaces Malan as Ireland head coach after historic India win

Wilson replaces Malan as Ireland head coach

'A very special journey'

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