World Cup qualification the main focus for new Ireland coach
Gary Wilson wants Ireland to earn qualification for next year's 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Recently-appointed Ireland coach Gary Wilson is focused on helping his side qualify for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Wilson only took over the coaching reins in June from outgoing coach Heinrich Malan and the former Ireland international has wasted no time in making his priorities clear for the ever-improving Irish side.
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Ireland have only ever qualified for the men's 50-over World Cup on three occasions - Wilson played in their two most recent visits in 2011 and 2015 - and the new head coach is determined to ensure his charges earn the right to appear at the 14-team tournament in 2027 that will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
"We're laser-focused on 50-over cricket right now for that reason," Wilson told BBC Sport.
"I've been lucky enough to be part of two and they are amazing experiences."
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Ireland's quest to feature at the 2027 World Cup will go up a notch when they host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series commencing on Wednesday in what will be the side's first 50-over matches in more than 12 months.
From there they will then play at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier event, where the top four sides from the 10-team tournament will progress to the main event in 2027.
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While that tournament might be still some time away, Wilson wants his players to create their own history and chase lofty goals during his time in charge.
"Irish cricket is really in its infancy in many ways and there's been a lot of firsts within the last 20 years," he said.
"We've had Ed Joyce as the first player to play for England, we've had the first World Cup in 2007, we've had the first Test win, why can't we go on and do something huge at a World Cup? If you'd said 30 or 40 years ago where the Irish rugby team would be now, you'd have got laughed at.
"Whether it's in our lifetime or not, one day we will do something amazing. A challenge I've put to this group is to create their own firsts. I think if we just stay focused, there's something big very close."
Ireland squad for first three ODIs: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker
Series schedule:
First ODI: August 5, Bready
Second ODI: August 7, Bready
Third ODI: August 10, Stormont
Fourth ODI: August 12, Stormont
Fifth ODI: August 15, Stormont