Porterfield, who will continue playing international cricket, had taken over from Trent Johnston as captain of the national side and has since overseen special cricketing moments for his country. He was the captain of the side that defeated England and West Indies in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup, respectively, while also captaining the team in their maiden Test match in May 2018.

"It has been an incredible journey, and a fantastic honour to have captained my country over the past 11-and-a-half years," Porterfield said. “To have been able to lead Ireland out at various World Cups, through to our first Test against Pakistan, and again at Lord's in the summer [in a Test against England], have been but a few of these highlights. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have done so".

"With the ODI league starting in the summer, it will allow Balbo [Balbirnie] time to get into the swing of things. I feel that the selectors have made a great choice in appointing Balbo and that it has come at a great time for him personally being on top of his game, and with more to come".

Twenty-eight-year old Balbirnie, who is also a wicket-keeper, has so far represented Ireland in 64 ODIs along with all three Tests that have played. In the past, he has the experience of having led the Ireland A and U-19 teams. Balbirnie said, "Being asked to captain my country is an absolute honor and one that I am very excited about as we move into a busy new year".

Balbirnie will lead Ireland in three ODIs in West Indies next January, marking his first assignment as skipper, while Gary Wilson is set to continue as T20 captain.