Less than 24 hours after leading Ireland to a 2-0 T20I series win over India, coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role with immediate effect.Ireland completed a 2-0 sweep after beating India by a 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 off the final ball of the innings.“It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, the staff and the wider Irish cricket community. My family and I have had a wonderful experience living here, and we look back on our time involved in Irish cricket with great fondness,” Malan said in a statement.“On the field, 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 Test win at home against Zimbabwe in Belfast, historic T20 series win at home against India and beating Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, as well as direct qualifiers for the T20 around the world. teams.”Malan’s contract was due until the beginning of 2027, but the 45-year-old South African decided to leave earlier. Cricket Ireland said Malan believed the time was right for a new coach to take charge and prepare the team for next year’s ODI World Cup qualifiers.Malan was appointed the Ireland men’s coach in January 2022 on a three-year deal, which was extended to 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 achievements came in Melbourne, England, where the eventual champions came in Melbourne, England.He also led Ireland during all three of the country’s Test victories, including their first Test win.Ireland will host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series in August.
