Cricket Ireland confirms 2025 central contracts for 48 players

Cricket Ireland announced its annual central contract list ahead of the women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the men’s T20I series against England. The left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys has been rewarded with a full-time contract after his memorable Test spell against Zimbabwe. He was part of the retainer contract last year.

The top-order batter Sarah Forbes also has earned a full-time contract for her performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier campaign. The Ireland contract system has evolved over time, and is a primary feature for Cricket Ireland to tailor contracts to suit the circumstances of the individual player.

Non-contracted players are also selected from time-to-time to be offered a ‘casual’ contract for the remainder of the contract year. The Director of High Performance for Cricket Ireland, Greame West believed that these central contracts were awarded for Ireland’s best cricketing talent.

“They allow the players the time and opportunity to access specialist coaching, as well as healthcare and lifestyle support services which create a more holistic approach to player development. Cricket Ireland’s investment in these contracts helps the growth of our sport through ensuring we are competitive and visible on the world stage – and also through creating role models and heroes to inspire a new generation to enter the sport,” West told 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