Dalzell began her journey with Bready Cricket Club
Ireland bowler Alana Dalzell is recognized for her pioneering path in cricket.
The 25-year-old, hailing from just outside Bready in County Tyrone—a region known for its cricket tradition—started playing at the local club as a child. She participated initially in boys' teams and later progressed to men's teams.
Dalzell advanced through the ranks and made her international debut for Ireland in 2022 during a match against South Africa.
In 2024, she made history by becoming the first woman from the North West to turn professional in cricket.
Recently, Dalzell received her first selection for the Ireland T20 World Cup squad, a development she described as both "surreal and a huge honour."
Ireland secured qualification for the tournament at the global qualifiers held in Nepal in February, after missing the 2024 edition. In the group stage, Ireland will compete against Scotland, hosts England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.
"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 shared that her parents were the first she informed about her World Cup call-up.
She credits her father, Alan, with inspiring her initial interest in cricket.
"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."
She joined Bready Cricket Club at age 11, initially playing in boys' cricket, and by around 13, she began playing men's cricket.
Initially, pursuing cricket as a career did not seem feasible to Dalzell. This perspective shifted in 2019 when Cricket Ireland introduced the first-ever part-time contracts for women players.
Among the first recipients was Gaby Lewis, who is now the Ireland World Cup captain.
Dalzell noted that during her youth, female cricket role models were scarce.
"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 commended North West Cricket Union Chief Executive Kathryn Rough for her efforts in advancing women's and girls' cricket.
"Kathryn has made massive changes introducing younger girls' leagues which are thriving now and growing every year. You can see 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'
Dalzell is currently preparing for a tri-nations series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf.
The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup will mark the 10th edition of the tournament. It is being hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board from 12 June to 5 July.
Ireland's matches will take place at several venues, including Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester and the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. Their opening match will be against Scotland.
Having recently completed an intensive eight-week training block, Dalzell is focusing on the upcoming tri-series.
"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."
