Lorkan Tucker will miss Ireland’s T20I series alongside Josh Little and Paul Sterling to play franchise cricket in Zimbabwe next month.
A wicket-keeper batsman, Tucker made headlines in the T20 World Cup by not retiring his 71 RBIs against Australia and his crucial 45 against the West Indies.
He will be announced soon as Reliance-owned franchise MI Emirates signed the first ILT20 in the UAE. Like Little and Sterling, Tucker said he will be out of his T20I on January 12-15, but will be in his ODI on January 18-23.
Tucker’s involvement in his ILT20 is the latest test of his Irish selection policy in cricket, in which the franchise seeks to ensure that players have a specific bilateral relationship to maximize the “development opportunities” of his league. I’m starting to allow myself to skip series.
Historically, Ireland has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to centrally signed players only when the league does not clash with international schedules. However, the growing list of fixtures, his increasing opportunities in cricketing the franchise, and the renewed prominence of key players have eased their stance, lest they be tempted to turn down major contracts or freelance. It is suggested that Left-handed Little, who skipped the Zimbabwe T20Is to play for Pretoria Capitals in SA20, is the most popular player. Last week he was signed by Multan Sultans in his PSL draft in a lucrative ‘platinum’ deal and at his IPL auction on Friday he is available for a base price of INR 50,000 (around £50,000).
He is likely to be available for the duration of the IPL if signed but the decision will depend on Ireland’s progress in the ODI Super League. If results elsewhere mathematically mean he is in contention for automatic berth for his Cup at the 2023 Worlds, he will be in line for Ireland’s final Super League match against Bangladesh in May in his series. I plan to return to Japan for
“Cricket Ireland takes the view that tied players are involved in franchise cricket and by default Ireland will be number one,” said Richard Holdsworth, Ireland’s longtime performance director. “However, we will consider flexibility of choice on a case-by-case basis where the opportunity to take advantage of franchise league offers is advantageous to Ireland’s set-up and player development.
“Obviously the focus is on being close to big tournaments and where the head coach wants players to play internationally.
“Our senior team’s recent success on the world stage has attracted the attention of many franchise tournaments. I think it’s both a long-awaited recognition of talent. “With eight seniors joining the franchise league this month alone, we expect demand for Irish talent to continue to grow.”
Irish National Selector Andrew White added:
“Given the location and the quality of the players involved, the selectors recognized Lorcan as an opportunity for growth in his Tucker by seizing the franchise T20 tournament opportunity next month.
“He had previously been called up to the Irish squad for the Zimbabwe Tour, but the opportunity for Lorcan to play in the UAE Franchise League will give him experience that can greatly benefit his game, as well as expand it. I felt that I would have the opportunity to work with our international talent pool.”
Tucker was replaced by Ross Adair, a spin bowling all-rounder and Mark Adair’s older brother. He had previously had a professional rugby union career with Ulster and described his call-up as “a great honor”.