Ireland recall Lara Maritz and select two uncapped players for Emerging Nations Trophy

Ireland have selected uncapped Zara Craig and Abbi Harrison and recalled Lara Maritz in a 14-player women's squad for the ICC Emerging Nations Trophy. Cricket Ireland confirmed the selections for the T20 international competition in the United Arab Emirates, giving two players the possibility of senior debuts and bringing Maritz back after five years away from international cricket.

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Craig, a 23-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder, has progressed through Ireland's development pathway and plays for Eglinton and Phoenix. BBC Sport reported that she represented Ireland at the 2023 Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup. Harrison, a 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Waringstown, was part of the Irish squads at both the 2023 and 2025 editions. Neither has yet made a senior international appearance.

Maritz, 25, has 43 international appearances and first played for Ireland in 2017, according to BBC Sport. Her most recent appearance was in 2021. Kia McCartney is also included: she has already played five one-day internationals but remains uncapped in T20 internationals. Her selection therefore creates the possibility of a first appearance in the format, rather than an international debut.

Gaby Lewis retains the captaincy, with Amy Hunter appointed vice-captain while Orla Prendergast plays in Australia's Women's Big Bash League. Cricket Ireland said it approved Prendergast's absence after considering the developmental benefits of that competition. Leah Paul is unavailable for this tournament, while Christina Coulter Reilly misses out through injury. The announcement did not specify the nature of that injury.

The tournament runs from 12 to 25 November and has expanded to include five Full Member teams alongside five Associate teams. Ireland's Group A opponents are Sri Lanka, the UAE, Papua New Guinea and Scotland. The previous edition was restricted to Associate nations and was won by Thailand, Cricket Ireland said.

High performance director Graeme West said the event would allow players to apply work from six weeks of training in international competition. He also described the absences as opportunities for developing players to establish themselves, with Ireland building towards the 2028 T20 World Cup.