New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Star all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the side at the marquee tournament. The 33-year-old made his T20I debut in 2015 and has since been a key member of New Zealand’s setup in the shortest format.
Santner has featured in 122 T20Is, claiming 130 wickets at an average of 22.89, including three four-wicket hauls. With the bat, he has scored 848 runs, including two half-centuries.
Veteran pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry could miss some matches during the T20 World Cup due to paternity leave. Both players are also part of a group of New Zealand cricketers recovering from injuries ahead of the tournament.
In a release quoted by ESPNcricinfo, NZC said, “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.”
The duo, both returning from calf injuries, have been named in the 15-player squad alongside 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 veteran all-rounder James Neesham have also been included in the T20 World Cup squad. Jacob Duffy has earned his maiden World Cup call-up, while Kyle Jamieson has been named as a travelling reserve.
The Black Caps have been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the UAE. New Zealand will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, New Zealand will play a white-ball series in India, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is against the Men in Blue.
New Zealand squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
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.
(IANS)
