Orla Prendergast will not feature in Ireland's squad for the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, to be held in the UAE from 12 to 25 November 2026, after Cricket Ireland granted the star seam-bowling all-rounder permission to remain in Australia and continue her stint in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). The 14-member squad, led by captain Gaby Lewis, includes two uncapped players and marks a significant selection shake-up ahead of Ireland's World Cup qualification push.

Why Prendergast Was Released

Graeme West, Cricket Ireland's director of high performance, explained the rationale behind the decision in a statement. 'Recognising a likely clash between the WBBL and the ICC Emerging Nations Tournament, the consideration was focused on what was best for Orla's game and development. The collective agreement was that the WBBL experience would elevate Orla's game, which, in turn, would benefit Cricket Ireland on the field with an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualification campaign already underway and qualification for the T20 World Cup in 2028 already secured,' West said. The decision reflects a broader strategic outlook — developing Prendergast at the highest club level in anticipation of more demanding international campaigns ahead.

Key Absentees and Squad Changes

Beyond Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell is absent due to a voluntary suspension following a prescription medication breach. Leah Paul has made herself unavailable, while Christina Coulter Reilly is ruled out through injury. In Prendergast's absence, Amy Hunter has been named vice-captain. Lara Maritz, 25, returns to the national side for the first time since 2021; the all-rounder made her debut in 2017 and has accumulated 43 caps.

Two Uncapped Players Earn First Call-Ups

Zara Craig, 23, is a seam-bowling all-rounder who plays for Eglinton and Phoenix. She came through Ireland's age-group pathway and was part of the squad for the 2023 Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Abbi Harrison, a 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Waringstown, earned her first senior call-up after representing Ireland at the 2023 and 2025 Under-19 World Cups. Notably, an international debut would make Harrison the fifth member of her immediate family to play for Ireland — following great-uncles Garfield, Jim, Roy, and Deryck. She has credited her grandfather Barry as the biggest influence on her cricket. Kia McCartney, who has five ODI caps, is yet to earn a T20I appearance.

Tournament Format and Ireland's Schedule

The 10-team event runs from 12 to 25 November and marks the first edition of the expanded format. Previously, the tournament was restricted to Associate nations and was won by Thailand; this year, five Full Members will face five Associate countries. Ireland are placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and hosts UAE. Group B comprises Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, and Thailand. The squad departs for the UAE on Sunday. Ireland open their campaign against Sri Lanka on 12 November, before facing the UAE on 13 November, Papua New Guinea on 16 November, and Scotland on 18 November. The Super Sixes are scheduled for 20, 22, and 23 November, with the final on 25 November.

Looking Ahead

West emphasised the tournament's value as a competitive proving ground. 'With no international cricket scheduled until March next year, the timing of the Emerging Nations Trophy provides our Performance Squad with the perfect opportunity to put the learning from the training programmes that have taken place over the last six weeks into high-level competition,' he said. Ireland's performance in the UAE will carry extra weight as the side builds toward the 2028 T20 World Cup, for which they have already secured qualification, and a Women's Cricket World Cup qualification campaign that is already underway.