In a surprising development, Heinrich Malan has resigned as head coach of Ireland’s men’s cricket team, less than a day after guiding them to a historic 2-0 T20I series victory over world champions India in Belfast.
Ireland outperformed a Shreyas Iyer-led Indian side in the opening match and followed it up with a thrilling one-run win in the second game, securing India’s first T20I series loss since August 2023.
Following Malan’s departure, Cricket Ireland announced former wicketkeeper-batter Gary Wilson as the new head coach. Wilson, 40, represented Ireland in 292 international matches over a 15-year career before retiring in 2020. Since 2022, he has served as assistant coach of the senior men’s team.
His appointment is significant as he becomes the first Irish-born coach to lead the national men’s side in more than three decades, since John Wills held the role in the early 1990s.
To ensure continuity, Malan will assist Wilson during the transition period and help prepare the team for their ODI series against Afghanistan in August.
The 45-year-old South African, who took charge in 2022, informed players and staff of his decision on Monday. Although his contract was due to run until early 2027, he chose to step down now, allowing the team to begin a new phase ahead of the next 50-over World Cup cycle.
His exit gives Wilson the opportunity to establish himself before the Afghanistan series, which will play a key role in Ireland’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers.
Reflecting on his tenure, Malan said it had been an honour to work with the players, staff, and the wider Irish cricket community. He highlighted several achievements, including Ireland’s memorable T20 World Cup win over England in Melbourne, their maiden Test victory against Afghanistan, their first home Test win over Zimbabwe, the recent T20I series triumph against India, and notable victories over Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Malan leaves behind an impressive legacy. During his time in charge, Ireland qualified for three successive T20 World Cups and recorded their first three Test-match victories. He also helped strengthen the talent pipeline, increasing the depth of players capable of competing at the international level.
Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, praised Malan’s contribution, saying he took over during a challenging period and played a major role in advancing the men’s programme. West noted that Malan’s efforts to broaden the player pool would continue to benefit Irish cricket in the years ahead.
Malan departs with Irish cricket in a strong position, handing over a team that has enjoyed some of the most successful moments in its history and is well placed for future challenges.
