(Cricket news) Ireland Women have suffered a blow ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after Rebecca Stokell was ruled out of the competition due to injury. Rachel Delaney will fly out to South Africa as her replacement.

Stokell unfortunately sustained a foot ligament injury, and after a medical assessment it was decided to withdraw her from the tournament. Rachel Delaney, 25, who is a club-mate of Stokell at Merrion Cricket Club, has been called into the squad as replacement and will fly out tomorrow.

Carrie Archer, National Selector, said: “We are all devastated for Rebecca and wish her a speedy recovery. Rachel Delaney has been called up – an experienced all-rounder who has been part of recent senior squads. We wish Rachel well as she flies out to join the Irish camp.”

Ireland Women will face England in their opening ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group game on Monday 13 February, starting at 3pm local time (1pm Ireland time). 

Also read: Australia can win, India more vulnerable at home this time: Greg Chappell

IRELAND WOMEN’S FIXTURE SCHEDULE

Warm-ups (prep camp)

• 1 February: Ireland Women v Bangladesh Women (Cape Town)
• 3 February: Ireland Women v Bangladesh Women (Cape Town)

Warm-ups (official)

• 5 February: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (Stellenbosch)
• 8 February: Ireland Women v Australia Women (Stellenbosch)

T20 World Cup (Group Stage)

• 13 February: Ireland Women v England Women (Paarl)
• 15 February: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women (Cape Town)
• 17 February: Ireland Women v West Indies Women (Cape Town)
• 20 February: Ireland Women v India Women (Port Elizabeth)