Irish Cricket: Paul Sterling steps down as captain of the Irish T20 team

Sterling added that he remains “fully committed” to Ireland despite hanging up the captaincy.

He said: “I still have a great deal of ambition as a player and I feel that this decision will allow me to focus fully on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the pitch.”

“This feels like the right time for the team to move into a new chapter, and I wish whoever takes over the T20 helm every success.

“They will have my full support, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build and push for success on the international stage.

“Representing Ireland remains the greatest privilege of my career and I am more excited than ever to help the team continue to grow and achieve success in the years ahead.”

Irish Cricket’s high performance director Graeme West praised Sterling as an “outstanding leader”.

“He will continue to captain the ODI team with the initial aim of successfully navigating qualifications and captaining the team in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next October and November,” West added.

“With qualification for the T20 World Cup guaranteed in 2028, Paul’s decision to step down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new skipper to begin implementing his style and methodology, starting with the India series in June.”