Published: Jan 23, 2026, 11:08 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 23, 2026, 11:08 AM (IST)
New Zealand’s pacer Adam Milne has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a hamstring injury during the SA20 tournament. The injury occurred in his first over for Sunrisers Eastern Cape against MI Cape Town last Sunday. Scans later confirmed the tear was serious, prompting New Zealand to call up Kyle Jamieson as Milne’s replacement in the World Cup squad.
Milne, who has played 56 T20Is for New Zealand, has taken 65 wickets at an average of 24.64.
Recently, he was representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) in the SA20 season four, where he took 11 wickets in nine matches at an impressive average of 16.27, including a four-wicket haul.
His injury comes as a major blow to the team, especially after his consistent performances in domestic and franchise cricket leading up to the tournament.
The 31-year-old Jamieson was originally named as a travelling reserve for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Kyle Jamieson has already impressed during New Zealand’s tour of India:
Also Read: India vs New Zealand 2nd T20 2026: Weather, pitch report, and match preview at Raipur
Black Caps coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment over Milne’s injury: “We’re all gutted for Adam. He had worked hard to get ready for the tournament and was looking back to his best during his eight games for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. It’s unfortunate timing, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Speaking about Jamieson, Walter added: “It’s great that Kyle is already with us here in India. He is an important member of our pace attack and has hit the ground running. He’s a hard worker with a good skill set and experience, which will be valuable for the tournament.”
Walter also confirmed that a replacement travelling reserve will be announced soon.
New Zealand will play their first World Cup match against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8. The Kiwis are in Group D along with South Africa, Canada, UAE, and Afghanistan.
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
For all latest updates of T20 World Cup 2026 you can visit: https://www.cricketcountry.com/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026/
