Isobel Joyce steps down as Ireland Women captain

Isobel Joyce has stepped down as Ireland Women's captain, though the 32-year-old allrounder has said she will continue to play. Her decision comes following her team's group-stage exit from the Women's World T20 in India. No new captain has been named as yet.

Having captained Ireland in 62 matches across formats, Joyce said she thought the time had come for "a younger leader" to take charge while she was still around to offer her guidance. "I've played cricket for Ireland for over half of my life and while I have not decided when I will call time on my playing career, I feel it's time to step aside and help a younger leader to learn the role before I do eventually retire," she said. "I'm looking forward to focusing on my own cricket for the twilight of my playing career and hopefully helping the team qualify for another 50-over World Cup, 16 years after I played in my first one."

Joyce had led her team through the qualifiers into two World T20s, and was a dedicated professional, coach Aaron Hamilton said. "Isobel has been a professional leader both on and off the field for the team," Hamilton said. "She will be missed in the role of skipper but I'm delighted she will continue to play and assist this group of talented young players; her experience will be invaluable for us going forward."