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New Zealand have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with fast bowler Adam Milne ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury during the ongoing SA20 in South Africa.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Friday that Kyle Jamieson, who was initially named as a travelling reserve, has been added to the main squad as Milne’s replacement.
Milne suffered the injury while bowling his opening over for Sunrisers Eastern Cape against MI Cape Town last Sunday.
Subsequent scans revealed the extent of the hamstring tear, forcing the 32-year-old pacer to withdraw from the global event.
Prior to the setback, Milne had enjoyed a productive SA20 campaign, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 16.27 and an economy rate of 7.61.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at losing the experienced fast bowler at a crucial stage.
“We’re all gutted for Adam,” Walter said. “He’d worked incredibly 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 really unfortunate timing, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Jamieson, who is currently part of New Zealand’s squad touring India, has been elevated from reserve status.
Squad changes can be made freely until January 31, after which any replacements will require approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“It’s great that Kyle is already with us here in India,” Walter added.
“He’s an integral part of our pace-bowling group and has hit the ground running on this tour. He brings valuable experience and skill, which will serve us well at the World Cup.”
The tall right-armer made his return to international cricket late last year following a long layoff due to a back injury and recently impressed with a career-best 4 for 41 in the first ODI against India earlier this month.
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.
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