Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson expected to miss some matches

On Wednesday, January 7, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) officially announced the New Zealand national cricket team squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Blackcaps are placed in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

New Zealand to lose Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson for a few matches

The selection committee has named a pretty strong team for the T20 World Cup, with Mitchell Santner at the helm and several experienced campaigners in attendance.

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However, during the tournament, the Kiwis will have to do without the services of Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry for a few matches. Their partners are expected to give birth during the event period and pacers may be allowed to take short-term paternity leave.

Speaking about the team, Kiwis head coach Rob Walter congratulated all the selected players. He said:

“First of all, a big congratulations to all the players selected for this World Cup. World Cups are special and there is no better place to play them than in India, which is truly the heart of modern football.

“I’m really happy with the skills and experience of this team and I think we have a group that can make New Zealand proud.”

New Zealand squad for 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 Wellington, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi | Traveling reserve: Kyle Jamieson

Read also: Revealed: Why India refused to drop Rishabh Pant for New Zealand series despite horrendous form

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