Women’s T20 World Cup: Injury rules Laura Delany out as Ireland call up teenage talent Alice Tector

Ireland have been dealt a major blow ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with experienced all-rounder Laura Delany ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

In response, Cricket Ireland have named 18-year-old Alice Tector as Delany’s replacement for both the upcoming World Cup and the tri-series involving West Indies and Pakistan.

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Tector, who made her international debut in 2024, is regarded as one of Ireland’s promising young talents and comes from a renowned cricketing family. She is the younger sister of Ireland internationals Harry Tector and Tim Tector.

Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, expressed disappointment over Delany’s absence while backing Tector to make the most of the opportunity.

“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,” West said.

“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.”

Delany’s absence leaves a significant gap in Ireland’s squad given her experience and leadership role within the team. However, the setback also provides Tector with the opportunity to feature in the biggest tournament of her young career despite having only five international appearances so far.

Ireland will begin their World Cup preparations with a tri-series in Clontarf featuring West Indies and Pakistan before travelling for the marquee event, scheduled to run from June 12 to July 5.

Captain Gaby Lewis is expected to lead Ireland at the World Cup but will miss the tri-series as she continues recovering from a leg injury. Vice-captain Orla Prendergast will captain the side during the preparatory tournament in Lewis’ absence.

Prendergast heads into the competition in strong form and currently sits seventh in the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings.

Ireland, currently ranked ninth in the ICC Women’s T20I standings, face a difficult challenge in Group 2 alongside hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Scotland.

Group 1 features Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.