Irelands Womens T20 World Cup Team Welcomes Jane Maguire as Ava Canning Faces Injury Setback

Leeds, June 17: In a significant update for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Ireland has announced the inclusion of fast bowler Jane Maguire in their squad. This change comes as medium pacer Ava Canning has been ruled out due to a stress fracture in her back.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Jane’s addition to the team after receiving approval from the tournament’s Event Technical Committee. This committee includes Wasim Khan (Chair and ICC General Manager – Cricket), Gaurav Saxena (ICC General Manager – Events and Corporate Communications), Beth Barrett-Wild (Tournament Director and Host Representative), and Stacey-Ann King (Independent Nominee).

In a statement released by the ICC on Wednesday, it was noted, “The Event Technical Committee for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved the inclusion of Jane Maguire in place of Ava Canning. Approval from the Event Technical Committee is necessary for any player replacement to officially join the team.”

Ava Canning was unable to participate in Ireland’s match against host England, where the team suffered a 6-wicket defeat at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. In her absence, Louise Little stepped into the playing eleven and scored an unbeaten 26 runs.

Cricket Ireland stated, “Following complaints of back pain after last Saturday’s match against Scotland, Canning was sent for precautionary scans. Unfortunately, the scans revealed a stress fracture in the back of this Leinster all-rounder, and she will return home immediately to begin recovery and rehabilitation. Maguire will join the team tomorrow (Thursday).”

The 23-year-old Jane has taken 33 wickets at an average of 22.81 in 39 T20 matches. She notably claimed 3 wickets for just 9 runs against the Netherlands during the T20 World Cup qualifiers in January. Earlier, she was sidelined from the T20 World Cup due to a knee injury, leading to her sister, off-spinner Amy Maguire, being named in the 15-member squad in her place.

In Group B, Ireland has faced challenges, losing both of their matches so far. They were defeated by Scotland by 40 runs, followed by a 4-wicket loss to England. Ireland is set to face New Zealand on June 19, followed by matches against Sri Lanka on June 23 and the West Indies on June 27.