New Zealand Unveils Squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced
Wellington, New Zealand - On January 7, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) revealed their 15-member team for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as reported by a leading sports media outlet.
Mitchell Santner, the star all-rounder, will captain the squad during this prestigious tournament. The 33-year-old has been an integral part of the New Zealand T20 setup since making his debut in 2015.
In his T20I career, Santner has participated in 122 matches, claiming 130 wickets with an impressive average of 22.89, including three four-wicket hauls. With the bat, he has scored 848 runs, featuring two half-centuries.
However, veteran bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry may miss several matches due to paternity leave, as both are expecting to welcome new additions to their families during the tournament.
A statement from NZC indicated, as cited by the sports media outlet, “Given that Ferguson and Henry's partners are due to give birth during the tournament, they are likely to receive short-term paternity leave.”
Both players are also recovering from calf injuries but have been included in the squad alongside Finn Allen (finger/hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle), and captain Santner (adductor). Ferguson has not represented New Zealand since November 2024.
Adam Milne, who last played for the national team in July, and experienced all-rounder James Neesham are also part of the T20 World Cup lineup. Jacob Duffy has received his first call-up for the World Cup, while Kyle Jamieson will serve as a travelling reserve.
The Black Caps are placed in Group D, competing against Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE. Their first match in the T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled for February 8 in Chennai, where they will face Afghanistan.
Prior to the T20 World Cup, New Zealand will engage in a white-ball series in India, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is against the Indian team.
New Zealand squad for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi. Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson.