Ireland duo Ed Joyce and Tim Murtagh have both announced their retirement from Twenty20 internationals.

Sussex captain Joyce has averaged 33.75 in 18 T20s for Ireland, while Middlesex seamer Murtagh has been one of the team's key bowlers since he broke into the side, but both players are keen to focus on first-class cricket and one-day internationals.

Ireland chairman of selectors Alan Lewis said in a statement: "The heartening piece for us is their total commitment to the longer formats and ultimately our desire to play Test cricket in the future.

"When you consider their county commitments as well, their decisions are fully understandable."

Ireland will announce their squads for the T20 series against Scotland and the World Twenty20 qualifiers on Friday.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill