Paul Stirling to return to Birmingham Bears on short-term deal

Paul Stirling is to join the Birmingham Bears on a short-term deal after Cricket Ireland today granted him a No Objection Certificate (NCO).

Stirling will act as cover for Glenn Maxwell, who is involved with the Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore, until the end of the IPL season in May.

The 32-year-old spent time with the Bears last year and is due to be involved in the early rounds of the Vitality Blast, a professional T20 competition that is played in the UK.

"We are pleased that Paul is returning to the Bears, as this will give him good quality T20 cricket in the lead-up to the European T20 World Cup Qualifier," said Richard Holdsworth, high performance director for Cricket Ireland.

"The Bears' set-up is first-class and the club has worked well with Cricket Ireland - we wish Paul well, but know from his last experience that he will enjoy his time."

Birmingham Bears first team coach Mark Robinson added: "We’re very lucky to be able to call on somebody of Paul’s calibre as cover. It’s a short-term deal to cover what could be as little as one or up to three or four matches after the Blast Off.

"A lot will depend on when the final of the IPL is scheduled and how far Glenn’s team progresses."

Ireland have a three-game T20 series lined up against Bangladesh at the end of next month.