New Zealand Unveils Squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Cricket has officially announced its squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with Mitchell Santner at the helm. The team includes key players and faces challenges with injuries and paternity leave affecting some members. The squad is set to compete against Afghanistan in their opening match on February 8 in Chennai. As they gear up for the tournament, New Zealand will also engage in a series of ODIs and T20s in India. Read on for more details about the squad and upcoming matches.
| Jan 7, 2026, 13:42 IST
New Zealand Announces T20 World Cup Squad
On Tuesday, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Star all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the team in this prestigious tournament. The 33-year-old Santner made his T20 international debut in 2015 and has since become a vital player for New Zealand in the T20 format.
Santner has participated in 122 T20 internationals, claiming 130 wickets at an average of 22.89, including three instances of taking four wickets in a match. With the bat, he has scored 848 runs, featuring two half-centuries. However, experienced fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry will miss some matches in the T20 World Cup due to paternity leave. Both players are also recovering from injuries ahead of the tournament.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, as reported by a sports media outlet, "Since Ferguson and Henry's wives are expected to give birth during the tournament, they are likely to be granted short-term paternity leave." Both players are recovering from calf injuries and are joined in the squad by Finn Allen (finger/hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle), and captain Santner (adductor). Ferguson has not played for New Zealand since November 2024.
Adam Milne, who last played for New Zealand in July, and seasoned all-rounder James Neesham are also included in the T20 World Cup team. Jacob Duffy has been selected for the World Cup squad for the first time. Kyle Jamieson is listed as a reserve player. New Zealand is placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE. They will kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai. Prior to the World Cup, New Zealand will play a white-ball series in India, featuring three ODIs and five T20 internationals against the Men in Blue.
New Zealand's 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. Reserve player: Kyle Jamieson