T20 World Cup selection a 'huge honour' for Dalzell

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Dalzell began her journey with Bready Cricket Club

ByElaine McGeeBBC News NI

Published3 minutes ago

Ireland bowler Alana Dalzell is no stranger to blazing a trail.

The 25-year-old from just outside Bready in County Tyrone - a cricket stronghold - joined the local club as a child playing for both the boys and eventually, men's teams.

She climbed the cricket ranks making her international debut for Ireland in 2022 against South Africa

Alana then made history in 2024 when she became the first woman from the North West to become a professional cricketer.

Now she has had her first call-up for the Ireland T20 World Cup squad; a prospect Dalzell said feels "surreal and a huge honour."

Ireland, who sealed qualification at the global qualifiers in Nepal in February after missing out on the 2024 tournament, will face Scotland, hosts England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies in the group stage.

"It feels brilliant to be selected", Dalzell told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.

"Especially having a World Cup so close to home. It's a huge honour to pull on the green jersey".

'Dad's cricket passion had a big influence on me'

Dalzell's parents were the first people she told about her call-up.

It is her dad Alan with whom she credits for first sparking her interest in the sport.

"Dad always has had a passion for cricket.

"He would have had my brother and I out the back of the house playing as children.

"I joined Bready Cricket Club when I was 11 and I played some boys cricket and then I started playing men's cricket when I was around 13."

Cricket as a career did not feel like even a possibility for Dalzell but that changed in 2019 when the first-ever part-time contracts for women were awarded by Cricket Ireland.

Amongst the first recipients was the now Ireland World Cup captain, Gaby Lewis.

Dalzell said when she was growing up there was a lack of visibility of female role models in cricket.

"I did just play for enjoyment, and I was very accepted in both the boys and men's teams in Bready.

"I didn't feel any different. But there was also so little coverage of women's cricket in broadcast media at that time. I do feel that has changed massively now.

"Growth of girls cricket in the north west for example has been massive and I think the improved coverage of the sport is helping drive the next generation of young female cricketers.

"If someone younger can see me and know that locally I have come though the pathway - hopefully it helps them know that they can do it too."

Dalzell also praised North West Cricket Union Chief Executive Kathryn Rough for her work in developing the sport for women and girls.

"Kathryn has made massive changes introducing younger girls' leagues' which are thriving now and growing every year.

"You can the difference that it's made to north west cricket and its coming through the women's leagues and the clubs are really seeing the benefit."

'World Cup close to home can boost support'

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Dalzell is preparing for a tri-nations series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf

The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be the 10th edition of the tournament.

It's being hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board from 12 June to 5 July.

Ireland will play at a number of locations including the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester and the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

The team's first fixture is against Scotland.

Having just come through an eight-week intensive training block, Dalzell is now preparing for Ireland's upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf.

Dalzell said she is hoping for big crowds at the World Cup, and her family and friends are all planning to make the trip.

"I feel so much support, especially from my family first and foremost.

"I have been chatting to plenty of parents at Bready who are hoping to bring their girls to see the games too.

"It's amazing that the World Cup is so close to home as it means so many people from home can be there too."