Colombo/Chennai: Sri Lanka and New Zealand have suffered major setbacks in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with star all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Michael Bracewell ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injuries. Both teams have acted swiftly to name replacements, with Deshan Hemantha joining the Sri Lankan squad and Cole McConchie added to New Zealand’s touring party.
Hasaranga’s World Cup Campaign Ends After Hamstring Tear
Sri Lanka’s hopes received a significant blow after Wanindu Hasaranga sustained a hamstring injury during the team’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday. Despite the injury, the leg-spinning all-rounder produced an impactful performance, returning figures of 3 for 25 in his four-over spell.
However, Hasaranga’s condition worsened after the match. An MRI scan conducted on Monday revealed a severe tear in his left hamstring. The scan results were reviewed by a UK-based specialist, after which Sri Lanka Cricket officially ruled him out of the tournament. Local media reports suggest the injury could sideline Hasaranga for at least four weeks, effectively ending his World Cup campaign in the co-hosted tournament.
The ICC confirmed that Deshan Hemantha has been approved as Hasaranga’s replacement. Hemantha, who has represented Sri Lanka in five ODIs and three T20Is, will bolster the team’s spin-bowling and all-round options.
Michael Bracewell Also Ruled Out After Calf Injury
New Zealand were dealt another injury blow when Michael Bracewell aggravated a pre-existing calf issue during warm-up drills ahead of their match against Afghanistan in Chennai. The all-rounder had previously suffered a tear in his left calf during the third ODI against India last month and reinjured the same muscle on February 8.
Follow-up scans confirmed the severity of the injury, with medical assessments indicating a recovery period of around three weeks before he can return to competitive cricket. As a result, Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup.
The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie as Bracewell’s replacement. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace bowler Ben Sears.
Double Blow for Both Teams at Crucial Stage
The loss of Hasaranga and Bracewell comes at a crucial stage of the tournament, forcing both Sri Lanka and New Zealand to reshuffle their lineups and rethink team combinations as they continue their World Cup campaigns. With both players being key all-round contributors, their absence could significantly impact team balance and match strategies.