Pace bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry could miss short periods of the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup after being granted paternity leave during the tournament.
Both fast bowlers are returning from calf injuries and have been named in New Zealand’s 15-player squad despite fitness concerns. Ferguson has not played international cricket since November 2024, while Henry is also working through a recovery programme.
New Zealand Cricket said all players carrying injuries were following individual return-to-play plans and were on track to be fit in time for the tournament. Alongside Ferguson and Henry, Finn Allen is recovering from finger and hamstring issues, Mark Chapman from an ankle injury and captain Mitchell Santner from an adductor problem.
The squad also includes Adam Milne, who last featured for New Zealand in July, and allrounder James Neesham. Jacob Duffy has earned selection for his first World Cup, while Kyle Jamieson has been named as a travelling reserve.
“With Ferguson and Henry’s partners due to give birth during the tournament period it is likely they will be granted short-term paternity leave,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
Top-order batter Tim Robinson has missed out after a congested selection battle at the top of the order. Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert were preferred, with Seifert set to handle wicketkeeping duties and Conway providing back-up.
Head coach Rob Walter stressed the importance of balance in the final selection. “As always, the balance of the squad is critical,” he said. “We have plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five allrounders who all bring something slightly different. This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the subcontinent, which will be valuable.”
New Zealand have been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. They open their campaign on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan.
The team will prepare for the tournament with a three-match ODI series followed by five T20 internationals against India.
New Zealand squad for the 2026 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
