Less than 24 hours after leading Ireland to a 2-0 T20I series win over India, head coach Heinrich Malan has resigned from his role with immediate effect.Ireland finished 2-0 after beating India by one run in the second T20I on Sunday. It was Ireland’s first series win over India in any format. They had won the opening match by 34 runs a few days earlier against the reigning World T20 champions.Batting first, Ireland scored 154 for eight in 20 overs. India finished on 153 for nine despite Prince Yadav hitting a six on the last ball of the innings.“It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community. “My family and I have had a wonderful experience living here and will look back on our time in Irish cricket with great fondness,” Malan said in a statement.“On the pitch, we can look back with great pride on our historic T20 World Cup win against England in Melbourne, our first Test win against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, first home win against Zimbabwe in Belfast, historic T20 series win at home against India and wins over Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa as well as direct qualification for the T20 WC thanks to our consistent ability to challenge and beat the world’s best. teams.”Malan’s contract was supposed to run until the beginning of 2027, but the 45-year-old South African decided to leave early. Cricket Ireland said Malan believes the time is right for a new coach to take charge and prepare the team for next year’s ODI World Cup qualifiers.Malan was appointed head coach of the Ireland men’s national team in January 2022 on a three-year contract, which was extended in 2024. During his time in charge, Ireland qualified for three consecutive T20 World Cups in 2022, 2024 and 2026. One of the team’s biggest results came in Melbourne 2022, where Ireland beat eventual champions England.He also led Ireland during all three of the country’s Test victories, including their first Test victory.Ireland next host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series in August.
