Alice Tector replaces Laura Delany in Ireland's T20 World Cup squad

Eighteen-year-old Alice Tector has been drafted into Ireland's squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup as an injury replacement for Laura Delany.

The nature of Delany's injury has not yet been disclosed, but it is serious enough to rule her out of both the tournament and a preparatory tri-series involving the West Indies and Pakistan, which begins on May 28.

Delany's absence is a major setback for Ireland. The 33-year-old is the country's most experienced women's T20 international player, having featured in 132 matches. She has scored 1659 runs and taken 96 wickets in the format.

Tector is yet to make her T20 international debut but has already represented Ireland in five ODIs since her debut against Sri Lanka in 2024.

"We are all devastated for Laura – she's one of the toughest competitors that has ever played for Ireland Women and we wish her well with her recovery," Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland said in a statement. "Alice herself has had to deal with injuries over the last 12 months, but has shown a great temperament since returning to play in 2026."

At the World Cup, Ireland have been drawn in a challenging group alongside hosts England, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Scotland. They open their campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 13.

Ireland squad for the T20 World Cup 2026: Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector