Heinrich Malan steps down as Ireland head coach; Gary Wilson takes over

Less than 24 hours after overseeing Ireland's historic 2-0 win in the T20Is against India, Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role as head coach of the senior men's team with immediate effect. Gary Wilson, who has served as Ireland's assistant coach since 2021, has been appointed his successor.

Malan's contract was initially set to run into early 2027. But the South African, 45, has chosen to step away with a Cricket Ireland release stating that he believed the timing was right for a new coach to step in with an eye on securing qualification for next year's ODI World Cup.

Malan was appointed the head coach of the senior men's team in January 2022 on a three-year contract, which was later extended in 2024. Under his supervision, Ireland qualified for three consecutive T20 World Cups in 2022, 2024 and 2026, famously beating eventual champions England in the 2022 edition in Melbourne.

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community. My family and I have had a wonderful experience living here, and we will look back on our time involved in Irish cricket with great affection," Malan said in a statement.

"On the field, we can look back with great pride on our historic T20 World Cup victory against England in Melbourne, our first-ever Test victory against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, the first home Test win vs Zimbabwe in Belfast, the historic T20 series win at home vs India and beating Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa as well as direct qualifications for T20 WC's through our consistent ability to challenge and beat the world's top teams."

Wilson's appointment sees him become the first Irish-born head coach of the senior men's setup in over 30 years since John Mills. Wilson represented Ireland in 105 ODIs, 81 T20Is and two Tests and was part of the team's first Test match in 2018. He also led the country in 26 T20Is from 2016 until 2019, while he last featured in an international game in 2020.

"Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to now take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me," Wilson said.

"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. 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."

"Over the last 4 years he has allowed me to have the responsibility that has put me in a position to be ready for this role and for that I am truly grateful. We have had some great days in that time, and I wish him and his family all the very best for what comes next."

Malan is set to work with Wilson over the next month and aid the transition ahead of Ireland's 5-match ODI series against Afghanistan in August, which will mark Wilson's first in charge of the team.

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