Less than 24 hours after leading Ireland to a 2-0 T20I win over India, head coach Heinrich Malan resigned with immediate effect.Ireland completed a 2-0 sweep after defeating India by one run in the second T20I on Sunday. It was the first time Ireland had beaten India by any means. They had won the opening match by 34 runs a few days earlier against the 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 last ball of the innings.“It was a great privilege to work with these players, staff and the entire Irish cricket community. My family and I have been here, and we will remember our time with Irish cricket with great fondness,” Malan said in a statement.“On the field, we can look back and be proud of 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, famous T20 tournament win at home against India with wins over Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa and direct qualifications to beat our top teams and win international matches.”Malan’s contract was due to run until early 2027, but the 45-year-old South African decided to leave early. Cricket Ireland said Malan believes the time was right for a new coach to take over and prepare the team for next year’s ODI World Cup.Malan was appointed as Ireland men’s head coach in January 2022 on a three-year contract, which was extended in 2024. During his tenure, Ireland managed to participate in three consecutive T20 World Cups in 2022, 2024 and 2026. One of the team’s biggest results came in Melbourne in 2022 when England lost.He also led Ireland to three successful domestic matches, including their first Test win.Ireland will also host Afghanistan in five ODIs in August.
