Ireland’s Zimbabwe Tour Schedule Finalized; Squad Announced

The Ireland men’s cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has also released the schedule for the series.

Morgan Topping has earned his maiden call-up to the Test and ODI squads. The 25-year-old right-handed top-order batter has been an exceptional run-scorer at the club level and a crucial member of Northern Knights' top order in recent times.

Gavin Hoey, who made his international debut in October, retains his place in the ODI squad and is poised for a potential Test debut. Topping and Hoey are the only uncapped players in the Test squad.

Ireland’s national selector, Andrew White, shared his thoughts:

“After a brief break following our series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, it’s great to be back on the field. We’ve had some memorable matches against Zimbabwe since 2007, and this series promises to be no different. It’s exciting to play across all three formats on this tour.

“Morgan Topping has received his first senior international call-up. He missed out on his debut against South Africa last year due to injury but has recently demonstrated the qualities needed for international cricket in Wolves and Academy matches. We wish him success.

“It’s exciting to see two young spinners and players like Ross Adair back in the squad, along with experienced players. Additionally, Josh Little returns, who made a significant impact on our last tour of Zimbabwe.

“Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy are returning from injuries, but Craig Young will miss the T20 format of this tour.

“With 2025 being ICC event-free, this period will help us prepare for three white-ball World Cups between 2026 and 2028.”

Zimbabwe-Ireland Head-to-Head:

Tests: First encounter in July 2024, where Ireland won by 4 wickets.
ODIs: 22 matches (Ireland won 10, Zimbabwe 8, 1 tied, 3 no results).
T20Is: 15 matches (Ireland won 8, Zimbabwe 7).

Ireland’s Test Squad for Zimbabwe Series:

Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Ireland’s ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series:

Paul Stirling (Captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Ireland’s T20I Squad for Zimbabwe Series:

Paul Stirling (Captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.

Zimbabwe-Ireland Preparation & Match Schedule:

Preparation Camps:

January 12-17, 2025: Training camp at Desert Springs, Spain.
January 26, 2025: Four-day training camp in Dubai.

Match Schedule:

February 6-10, 2025: Test Match (Bulawayo).
February 14-18, 2025: Three ODIs (Harare).
February 22-25, 2025: Three T20Is (Harare).