Less than 24 hours after guiding Ireland to a 2-0 T20I series victory over India, head coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down with immediate effect.Ireland beat India by one run in the second T20I on Sunday, finishing with a 2-0 sweep. This was Ireland’s first ever victory over India in any format. A few days ago, they defeated the reigning T20 world champions by 34 runs in their first match.Batting first, Ireland scored 154 runs in 8 overs. Despite Prince Yadav hitting a six off the last ball of the innings, India ended at 153 for nine.“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 here and we will look back fondly on our time involved in Irish cricket. 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 historic win against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, our first home Test win against Zimbabwe in Belfast, our historic T20 series at home against India and wins over Pakistan, West Indies and South Africa, as well as direct qualification for the T20 WC through our ability to challenge and beat the world’s top teams.”Malan’s contract was originally scheduled to expire in early 2027, but the 45-year-old South African decided to leave early. Cricket Ireland said Malan believes now is the right time for a new coach to take over the side and prepare for next year’s ODI World Cup qualification.Malan was appointed head coach of the Ireland men’s football team in January 2022 on a three-year contract that will be renewed in 2024. During his tenure, Ireland qualified for three consecutive T20 World Cups in 2022, 2024 and 2026. One of the team’s biggest results came in 2022 in Melbourne, where Ireland defeated eventual champions England.He also guided Ireland to all three Test wins in the country, including their maiden Test victory.Ireland next host Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series in August.
