Ireland unveil 2025-26 central contracts for players

Cricket Ireland has announced its central contract list for 2025 annually, which includes 48 male and female cricketers. The announcement comes ahead of the women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the England men's T20I series. The two most prominent names included in the list are Matthew Humphreys and Sarah Forbes, as both are given full-time contracts after an impressive performance.

Humphreys, who was earlier under a retainer contract, impressed in Ireland's historic Test against Zimbabwe and is now upgraded to the full-time squad. Sarah Forbes' excellent work during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier campaign ensured that she is now included in Ireland's list of the best centrally contracted female cricketers.

Cricket Ireland's central contract format has changed to provide flexibility with various categories like full-time, part-year, educational, and casual contracts based on the individual player's situation. The system also provides for the non-contracted player to be given short-term contracts during the course of the year in accordance with team needs.

Graeme West, Director of High Performance for Cricket Ireland, emphasized the importance of the central contracts in fostering talent across the board. “They allow the players the time and opportunity to access specialist coaching, as well as healthcare and lifestyle support services, which create a more holistic approach to player development. Cricket Ireland’s investment in these contracts helps the growth of our sport through ensuring we are competitive and visible on the world stage—and also through creating role models and heroes to inspire a new generation to enter the sport,” he said.

See Also: England announce playing XI for 2nd Test against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham

Centrally-Contracted Players (2025)

Full-time contracts:

• Men: Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young
  
• Women: Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent
  

Part-year contracts:

Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Foster, Liam McCarthy, Morgan Topping

Educational contracts:

Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector

Casual contracts:

Abbi Harrison, Kia McCartney, Jenni Jackson, Lara McBride, Ellie McGee