Paul Stirling set for short Birmingham Bears stint as cover for Glenn Maxwell

Cricket Ireland confirmed on Tuesday (February 28) that it had granted the batsman a no objections certificate (NOC) for the tournament. He is expected to play no more than four games for the club

Paul Stirling will return to Birmingham Bears for a short stint in the 2023 T20 Blast.

Stirling, who made 119 on Birmingham debut in last year's competition, will act as cover for Glenn Maxwell while the Australian allrounder finishes his stint in the Indian Premier League.

Cricket Ireland confirmed on Tuesday (February 28) that it had granted the batsman a no objections certificate (NOC) for the tournament. He is expected to play no more than four games for the club.

Stirling made 313 runs at a strike rate above 174 for the Bears in 2022.

Paul Stirling in action against Northamptonshire Steelbacks in 2022 [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]

"We're very lucky to be able to call on somebody of Paul's calibre as cover," Birmingham head coach Mark Robinson said. "A lot will depend on when the final of the IPL is scheduled and how far Glenn's team progresses."

Maxwell is on the books of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the IPL, the final of which is expected to take place in the final weekend of May. 

"Paul made a big impact last season and the one over in which he hit five sixes and one four in an over will live long in the memory of Bears fans," Robinson continued.

"But he was also great to have in the club and around the dressing room. He's a great lad with huge domestic and international experience. I'm looking forward to welcoming him back into the Bears fold."

Related Topics

• Richard Gleeson extends Lancashire T20 deal by two years