Chennai, Feb 10 (.) The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dushan Hemantha
as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lanka squad, even as New Zealand suffered a set back with its key off spinning
all rounder Michael Bracewell ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.
A statement from ICC tonight said Hemantha, who has played five ODIs and three T20Is, was named as a replacement after
Hasaranga was ruled out with an injury to his left hamstring, which he sustained in the match against Ireland on February 8.
The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee (ETC) before the player can be officially
added to the squad.
The ETC of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 consists of Wasim Khan – ICC General Manager – Cricket (ICC Representative), Gaurav Saxena (IBC Representative), Hemang Amin (Host Representative), Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).
The ETC has also approved a replacement for New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell, who picked up a calf injury during the match
against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai.
New Zealand has yet to name a replacement, the ICC said.
But the New Zealand Cricket Board in an update said off-spinning all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder
of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after reinjuring his left calf and annnounced another offie Cole McConchie as his replacement,
pending ETC nod.
Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the 3rd ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday.
Subsequent scans confirmed the injury which is expected to require approximately three weeks recovery before returning to play.
Off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace-bowler Ben Sears.
Canterbury Kings captain McConchie last represented New Zealand in April 2024 and joins the squad off the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign as the Kings leading wicket taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said he was saddened for Bracewell.
“We’re all feeling for Michael,” said Walter.
“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 set back.
“We wish him a smooth recovery.”
Walter said McConchie, who has played 145 T20s (12 of them internationals), would bring valuable experience.
“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.”
McConchie is set to assemble with the squad on Friday 13.
The Kiwis will play their third Group D key match on Saturday February 14 against South Africa in the Group of Death,
which also featured Afghanistan, as only two teams will progress to the Super 8.
With two wins in their kitty against Afghanistan and UAE, a victory against the Proteas will seal New Zealand’s place
in the Super 8.
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