Gary Wilson is now the Ireland men’s head coach, and Irish cricket has done something it has not done in over 30 years: appointed one of its own to lead the national side.
Cricket Ireland confirmed Wilson’s appointment on June 29, 2026. He succeeds Heinrich Malan, who stepped down a day after Ireland completed a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India in Belfast. It was the first time Ireland had beaten India in any form of international cricket.
Wilson, 40, played 292 times for Ireland across a 15-year career as a wicketkeeper-batsman, representing the country at seven major ICC events, including two 50-over World Cups and five T20 World Cups. He captained the side in the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier, the tournament that earned Ireland a place at the 2021 edition. He also spent more than a decade in county cricket, captaining Surrey across two seasons, and then leading Derbyshire’s T20 side in the Blast.
When he retired in 2021, he spoke immediately about coaching as the next step. He took charge of North West Warriors in the domestic inter-provincial system, then joined Malan’s senior setup as assistant coach in 2022. For four years, he was inside that dressing room every day, watching how the environment was built and understanding what made this group of players tick.
“Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to now take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me.”
Gary Wilson, official Cricket Ireland statement, June 29, 2026
Wilson is the first Irish-born head coach of the men’s team since John Wills in the early 1990s. For three decades, Ireland looked outside its own system for this role. Wilson is a product of that system.
He has been clear about what he wants to bring.
█▓▒▒░░░BREAKING NEWS░░░▒▒▓█
Gary Wilson has been appointed Ireland Men’s new permanent head coach – read more: https://t.co/72vlJBtoge#BackingGreen #FailteSolar pic.twitter.com/Yz6xD76suy
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) June 29, 2026
“My coaching beliefs have been shaped by each coach I have worked with, and are centred around strong communication, building and maintaining relationships to get the best out of players, hard work, a player-centred focus, and setting high challenges for those who are driven to succeed. Above all, the power of the connection to the Shamrock is something I’ve witnessed and is something I intend on using to our advantage.”
Gary Wilson, official Cricket Ireland statement, June 29, 2026
That last line carries specific weight from him. He has worn that shirt 292 times. When he talks about what the Shamrock means, he is not reading from a coaching manual.
Malan stepped down just 24 hours after Ireland beat the reigning T20 world champions 2-0 in Belfast, ending India’s 16-series unbeaten run spanning nearly three years. Malan felt that was the right moment to step back and hand the team to someone ready to carry it forward.
He will stay alongside Wilson for one month to ensure a smooth handover before the Afghanistan ODI series begins in August.
“I’d like to put on record my thanks to Heinrich — over the last 4 years he has allowed me to have the responsibility that has put me in a position to be ready for this role and for that I am truly grateful. We have had some great days in that time, and I wish him and his family all the very best for what comes next.”
Gary Wilson, official Cricket Ireland statement, June 29, 2026
Malan leaves behind genuine progress. Three consecutive T20 World Cup qualifications. Ireland’s first three Test victories. A squad with real depth across formats.
Wilson now inherits that squad with a specific challenge in front of him. Ireland are ranked 11th in the ICC ODI rankings. The top eight ranked sides at the March 2027 cut-off qualify directly for the ODI World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ireland are below that line and will need to come through the global qualifier. Wilson’s ability as a coach will be measured against that deadline.
Graeme West, Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, explained what the board expects.
“Gary comes into the role at a crucial time in the World Cup Qualifier cycle and will now have valuable time to work with the squad during the build-up to the tournament, beginning with the Afghanistan series next month. Looking longer term — with his extensive background in international and county cricket — Gary will have a wealth of insights and experience to call upon as we develop and deliver on a high performance strategy.”
Graeme West, Director of High Performance, Cricket Ireland, June 29, 2026
Irish cricket is in a stronger place than it has been in years. The work to stay there, and go further, starts in August.
Sources:
- Gary Wilson appointed Head Coach, Cricket Ireland, June 29, 2026 — Cricket Ireland
- Gary Wilson retirement and coaching interview, ESPNcricinfo, March 2021 — ESPNcricinfo
- Ireland vs India 2nd T20I, Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, June 28, 2026 — ESPNcricinfo
