ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 the fever has reached its peak India And Sri LankaBut new zealand The camp faces a bittersweet moment as they prepare for their final Group D encounter. lockie fergusonBlack Caps star pace Merchant, known for his high-octane bouncers and sharp yorkers, will miss the upcoming match. Canada. While his absence leaves a significant void in the bowling attack, the reason behind his departure is a cause for celebration in the cricket world.
Why will Lockie Ferguson not play in New Zealand’s upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match?
New Zealand’s star fast bowler Ferguson is set to return home on February 15 during the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Ferguson will return home to be with his wife emma And welcome your first child. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the news on Sunday, adding that the fast bowler has been granted parental leave to observe this major life milestone.
An exciting time for Ferguson whānau 🖤
Full story https://t.co/eKUglas9Xs
📷=ICC/Getty #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CqKoG64m2a
– Blackcaps (@BLACKCAPS) 15 February 2026
head coach rob walter Addressed the media expressing the team’s full support for Ferguson’s decision. “This is an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma, and we’re delighted he’ll be at home for such a special occasion.” Walter commented. Despite the high stakes of the tournament, the Black Caps have a long-standing culture of putting family first, and this situation is no different.
While Ferguson will not play in the clash against Canada in Chennai, the team has opted not to announce a formal injury replacement. The plan is for the fast bowler to rejoin the squad in time for the Super Eights stage, provided New Zealand ensure their progress. In the interim, the team will focus on travel reserves ben sears And Cole McConchieor potentially bring kyle jamison Pace in the playing eleven to maintain the intensity of the battery.
New Zealand’s ups and downs journey in Group D of T20 World Cup 2026
The Black Caps’ 2026 campaign is a story of clinical precision followed by a sudden reality check. New Zealand, currently placed second in Group D with four points from three matches, started their journey with an impressive performance. They started with a comprehensive victory afghanistan in Chennai, where the bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, leading to a professional win United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, his momentum accelerated on February 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Facing a strong South African team, the Kiwis posted a competitive score of 175/7 thanks to a vital partnership of 74 runs between the two. mark chapman (48) and darryl mitchell (32). Unfortunately, South Africa’s aiden markram Played the captain’s innings and scored unbeaten 86 runs and achieved the target with 17 balls remaining.
This seven-wicket defeat to the Proteas has made the upcoming match against Canada a must-win for the Black Caps to ensure they do not rely on the net run rate math. Ferguson’s departure comes at a time when his form was at its peak, having already taken four wickets in the tournament, but the Kiwis remain favorites to reach the Super Eights by ousting Canada.
