Wellington, 07 January (H.S.): New Zealand pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry could take paternity leave for select matches during the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as their partners are due to give birth around the tournament period.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has indicated that short-term absences for both players remain a possibility.Ferguson and Henry, both recovering from injuries, feature in New Zealand's 15-member squad announced today.

Others nursing injuries include Finn Allen (finger/hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle), and captain Mitchell Santner (adductor). Ferguson has not played for New Zealand since November 2024.

NZC stated in a release: Players dealing with injuries are following their respective return-to-play protocols and are on track to be fit for the tournament.

Pacer Adam Milne, who last played for New Zealand in July, and all-rounder James Neesham also earned spots, alongside Jacob Duffy, who will make his World Cup debut. Kyle Jamieson joins as a traveling reserve.NZC confirmed that Ferguson and Henry will receive paternity leave if needed.

Intense competition at the top order sidelined Tim Robinson, with Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Seifert preferred. Seifert will handle primary wicketkeeping duties, with Conway as backup.

Head coach Rob Walter remarked: As always, team balance is crucial. We have batting depth and skill, quality bowlers who adapt to conditions, and five all-rounders offering distinct contributions. This is an experienced squad with strong exposure to subcontinental conditions, which will serve us well.

New Zealand is placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE. The team opens its campaign against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai.

Prior to the World Cup, New Zealand will tour India for a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is.

New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: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.

Traveling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar