DUBLIN — Outgoing Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom has highlighted a "sense of belief" as the driving force behind Ireland's growing ambitions in international cricket, particularly as the team prepares for a crucial T20 World Cup campaign in India later this year.
Deutrom, who steps down after 17 years at the helm, reflected on Ireland's remarkable journey from Associate nation to Full Member status in 2017. "When I started, we were barely on the radar," he said. "Now, we're not just participating - we're competing, and that belief is what will take us further."
From Underdogs to Contenders
Ireland's cricket story has been one of steady progression. Key milestones include:
- Historic wins over Pakistan (2007) and England (2011) in ODI World Cups
- Full ICC membership achieved in 2017
- First Test match played against Pakistan in 2018
Deutrom emphasized how infrastructure development has supported this growth: "We've moved from having one proper ground to multiple international-standard venues. The High Performance Centre in Dublin has been transformational for player development."
T20 World Cup Ambitions
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June in the USA and West Indies, Ireland finds itself in Group A alongside:
- India
- Pakistan
- Canada
- USA (hosts)
Captain Andrew Balbirnie remains optimistic: "We've shown we can compete with the best on our day. The key is consistency - turning those occasional upsets into regular performances." Ireland recently pushed India hard in a T20 series, losing 2-1 but proving their growing capability.
Key Players to Watch
- Paul Stirling - The explosive opener remains Ireland's most experienced T20 player
- Josh Little - Left-arm quick who impressed in the IPL
- Harry Tector - Emerging middle-order batsman with a growing reputation
- Gareth Delany - Dynamic all-rounder who can change games
The Deutrom Legacy
As Deutrom prepares to hand over to interim CEO Richard Holdsworth, he reflected on the challenges ahead: "The next phase is about sustainability - ensuring we're competitive across all formats while continuing to grow the game domestically. The foundations are there, but the work never stops."
Key achievements under Deutrom's leadership include:
- Securing Full Member status
- Establishing a professional domestic structure
- Developing women's cricket pathways
Looking Ahead
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Ireland's players are embracing their underdog status. Coach Heinrich Malan stated: "We don't just want to make up the numbers. We believe we can cause upsets and progress deep into the tournament. That belief is what separates good teams from great ones."
As Ireland cricket enters a new era, the sentiment throughout the squad echoes Deutrom's philosophy. All-rounder Curtis Campher summed it up: "We might not have the resources of bigger nations, but we've got the talent, the work ethic, and most importantly, the belief that we belong at this level. That's what makes us dangerous."