New Zealand National Cricket Team: New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after reinjuring his left calf. The 34-year-old suffered the setback during warm-ups on Sunday ahead of New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan. He had been recovering from a calf tear sustained in the third ODI against India last month. Scans later confirmed a recurrence of the injury, which is expected to sideline him for about three weeks.
Head coach Rob Walter said the team felt for Bracewell. “We’re all feeling for Michael,” Walter said. “It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him. “Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery.”
New Zealand have named Cole McConchie as a travelling reserve but have not yet officially added him to the squad as a replacement. McConchie has played 145 T20 matches. He recently finished as Canterbury Kings’ leading wicket-taker in the domestic season, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.
Walter said McConchie’s experience would be important in the tournament.
“Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head especially for a World Cup,” he said.
New Zealand will play their third Group D match against South Africa on June 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
