William Porterfield to lead Ireland in World T20 qualifiers

The 14-man line-up includes 12 of the players who toured the subcontinent for the World Cup last year.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O’Brien has been axed from squad as he had signed up a deal with Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 and declared himself unavailable for national duty for the ongoing tour of Kenya.

Rory McCann outdone Stuart Poynter to secure the place fell vacant by O’Brien. Hills all-rounder Max Sorensen is also included in the squad.

Murtagh left out

Despite becoming eligible for Ireland and getting passport for the competition on time, Middlesex seamer Tim Murtagh has been left out.

Ireland have been drawn in Group B in the 16-team tournament along with Kenya, Namibia, Oman, Scotland, USA, and Italy. Two qualification spots are on offer, for the World T20 in Sri Lanka in September.

Following the end of Kenya tour, Ireland will travel for a training camp in South Africa, where they will play three Twenty20 matches against the domestic side Warriors.

Ireland Squad:

William Porterfield (Captain), Trent Johnston, George Dockrell, Nigel Jones, Alex Cusack, Ed Joyce, John Mooney, Rory McCann, Boyd Rankin, Kevin O’Brien, Andrew White, Gary Wilson, Paul Stirling, Max Sorensen

Replacements: Tim Murtagh, Andrew Poynter, James Shannon, Albert van der Merwe