Andrew Balbirnie will take over the leadership roles of Ireland in Tests and one-day internationals after the long-serving William Porterfield stepped down, Cricket Ireland announced on Friday, 8 November.
Porterfield has been at the helm of the side since 2008, after taking over the baton from Trent Johnston. He has captained Ireland in 253 matches across formats. According to Cricket Ireland, he is the longest-serving national captain in an Ireland team sport.
Citing reasons for stepping down, William Potterfield said that he wants a smooth transition of captaincy in the Ireland Cricket team. With the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League starting next year, Andrew Balbirnie will get sufficient time to get his troops ready for the challenge.
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“I feel, and in consultation with Cricket Ireland, that now is the right time to hand over that mantle,” said Porterfield. “With the ODI league starting in the summer, it will allow Balbo time to get into the swing of things,” he added.
The 35-year-old William Potterfield insisted he is determined to continue playing in the international arena and believes he now has an opportunity to support the transition to a new captain. He also said that he feels privileged to lead Ireland for so many years.
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“It has been an incredible journey, and a fantastic honour to have captained my country over the past 11 and a half years,” Potterfield added.
Andrew Balbirnie will become Ireland’s fifth ODI captain, and their second in Tests. After making his debut in 2010, he went on to become a key figure in the side. The 28-year-old will hope to take Ireland Cricket progress as they look to become a significant force in international cricket. His first assignment will be when Ireland take on West Indies in the Caribbean from January
.
