New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury during the SA20 tournament. Milne sustained the injury in his very first over while playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape against MI Cape Town last Sunday, and subsequent scans have confirmed the severity of the tear. As a result, New Zealand have named Kyle Jamieson as his replacement in the World Cup squad.
Milne had enjoyed a strong SA20 campaign, picking up 11 wickets at an average of 16.27 while maintaining an economy rate of 7.61. Jamieson, who is currently part of New Zealand’s squad for the ongoing series against India, has been promoted from the travelling reserves. According to tournament regulations, squads can be freely amended until January 31, after which any replacements will require approval from the ICC.
“We’re all gutted for Adam. He’d worked so hard to get himself ready for the tournament and was looking back to his best in his eight games for the Eastern Cape Sunrisers. It’s unfortunate timing for Adam and we wish him a speedy recovery,” said New Zealand head coach Rob Walter as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“It’s great that Kyle is already with us here in India. He’s an integral member of our pace-bowling group and has hit the ground running on this tour. He’s a hard-worker with a good set of skills and experiences that will hold him good stead for the tournament,” he added.
Jamieson, who returned to international cricket late last year following a back injury, impressed earlier this month by registering a career-best spell of 4 for 41 in the first ODI against India. Meanwhile, New Zealand had earlier stated that senior fast bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson could take brief periods of paternity leave during the T20 World Cup.
The New Zealand selectors have also confirmed that an additional travelling reserve will be added to the squad ahead of the tournament, which begins with a clash against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai. Prior to the World Cup opener, the Black Caps are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the USA on February 6 in Mumbai, following the conclusion of their ongoing T20I series against India. In the five-match series, New Zealand currently trail 1-0 after suffering a defeat in the opening game in Nagpur, with four matches still to be played.
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