Ed Joyce will leave his role as Head Coach of the Ireland women’s team in April, after the 50-over World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan.

The 46-year-old former Ireland international was appointed in 2019 and has overseen a remarkable transition in the women’s game with the introduction of professional contracts, and a string of upset victories over some of the world’s best sides.

“It’s been a privilege to work with this group of dedicated cricketers and support staff,” Joyce said.

“The last six years have been an incredible journey – not just for me personally, but for the players, coaches and the entire performance program but there comes a time when the system benefits from fresh perspectives and voices.”

Under his leadership, Ireland have played 97 times, winning 51 and losing 44, with two rained off, and he will hope to leave on a high by helping the Girls in Green qualify for the World Cup for the first time.

Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland have confirmed dates in May and June for two men’s white-ball series against the West Indies, and a T20 series against England in September but supporters hoping for a home Test match are likely to be disappointed.

A five-day clash with Afghanistan, which was part of the ICC’s Future Tours Program seems to have been memory-holed, and while South Africa are continuing to push for a warm-up ahead of their WTC final at Lord’s, there are major funding issues to settle.

After wrapping up a third successive Test win in Zimbabwe on Monday, social media has been alive with demands that Cricket Ireland host at least one five-day clash every home season.

Posting on X, the ‘Fionn Hand Appreciation Society’ said: “We need to put on … two home Tests a year, preferably in August when the Hundred is on in the UK, and it’s the school holidays. Make that consistent and predictable.”

Test captain Andy Balbirnie, who is in Harare for the three-match one-day international series against Zimbabwe which starts tomorrow, Friday, has made no secret of his desire to play more of the longer games but also seems resigned to the uncertainty.

“We don't know when our next Test is going to be so we've got to enjoy it while we can and make sure that we're smiling,” he said.