T20 World Cup 2026 Injury Tracker: Matheesha Pathirana Injured, Ruled Out Of Tournament

This T20 World Cup 2026 injury tracker brings together the latest fitness updates on key players as teams finalise their squads ahead of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just weeks away, with the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka. As teams move closer to finalising their T20 World Cup 2026 squads, injury concerns are beginning to shape selection debates and last-minute changes. Several key players are currently in a fitness race against time, creating uncertainty around final squad decisions ahead of the marquee event.

With bilateral series, domestic tournaments, and franchise leagues running close to the tournament window, workload management and recovery timelines have become critical factors. Check how to watch the T20 World Cup live from different countries.

This T20 World Cup 2026 injury update tracks the latest developments surrounding players who are either sidelined or racing to regain match fitness, as teams assess their best combinations.

Last updated: February 17, 2026

Below is a consolidated look at the players doubtful for T20 World Cup 2026, based on current injury reports and official updates.

T20 World Cup 2026 Injury Tracker: Latest Player Availability Snapshot

T20 World Cup 2026 Injury Status – At A Glance

Doubtful / High Concern

• Washington Sundar (India) – side strain, fitness race

Under assessment / Monitoring

• Wayne Madsen (Italy) — being assessed after. shoulder dislocation
• Ali Khan (USA) — being assesses after on-field injury
• Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka) — being assessed

Ruled out

• Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan) – surgery advised, will miss tournament
• Tony de Zorzi (South Africa) – ruled out
• Donovan Ferreira (South Africa) — ruled out
• Adam Milne (New Zealand) — ruled out
• Pat Cummins (Australia) — ruled out
• Alzarri Joseph (West Indies) – ruled out
• Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – ruled out
• Harshit Rana (India) – ruled out
• Eshan Malinga (Sri Lanka) — ruled out
• Michael Bracewell (New Zealand) – ruled out
• Brendan Taylor (Zim) – ruled out
• Paul Stirling (Ireland) – ruled out

India Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations have been slightly disrupted by injury concerns to Washington Sundar, but he is expected to be fit for the second game. The latest India T20 World Cup squad still has him in the mix, but Harshit Rana has been ruled out. There was an injury concern around Abhishek Sharma in the IND vs USA opening game as he did not take the field in the second half.

Harshit Rana Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a knee injury during India’s warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Mohammed Siraj is set to replace him in the squad.

• Injury: Knee injury
• When it happened: IND vs SA warm-up match, Navi Mumbai
• What happened: Pulled out of run-up twice; left the field after bowling one over
• Current status: Officially ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
• Recent matches missed: Did not complete warm-up game
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad impact: Mohammed Siraj to replace him

Final verdict: Will Harshit Rana be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

Harshit Rana is not playing in the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a knee injury sustained during India’s warm-up match against South Africa. While initial communication suggested he was under observation, subsequent assessments confirmed he would not recover in time for the tournament. More on Harshit Rana injury.

Washington Sundar Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

• Injury: Side strain (lower rib area)
• When it happened: First ODI vs New Zealand in Vadodara
• Current status: Recovering
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Expected to be available for second game
• Recovery timeline: Under medical supervision; fitness assessments ongoing
• Squad status: Named in India’s 15-member T20 World Cup 2026 squad
• Replacement named: No
• Latest update: India unwilling to rush his return before full recovery.

Final verdict: Will Washington Sundar be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

Washington Sundar remains one of the key players doubtful for T20 World Cup 2026, but the injury is not considered long-term. He is expected to be fit for the second game of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Australia Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been shaped by workload management rather than sudden injury crises. Skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 with Ben Dwarshuis named as his replacement. Pacer Josh Hazlewood is also under injury cloud despite being named in the Australia T20 World Cup 2026 squad and could have a delayed entry to the tournament.

Pat Cummins Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

• Injury: Lumbar stress injury (back)
• When it happened: During Ashes 2025 summer
• Current status: ruled out of T20 World Cup
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Will miss tournament
• Expected return: For IPL 2026
• Squad status: Was named in Australia’s provisional T20 World Cup squad before being replaced
• Latest update: Has resumed bowling

Final verdict: Will Pat Cummins be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

Pat Cummins is expected to miss the entire T20 World Cup 2026, with Ben Dwarshuis named as his replacement for the tournament in Sri Lanka and India. Unlike Cummins, another member of the famous trio won’t be at the T20 World Cup 2026. Is Mitchell Starc injured? Check why the left-arm pacer isn’t playing T20 World Cup 2026.

Josh Hazlewood Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

• Injury: Hamstring strain followed by Achilles soreness
• When it happened: During Sheffield Shield and Ashes rehab phase
• Current status: Ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Was expected to start late, but has been ruled out now
• Expected return: For IPL 2026
• Squad status: Ruled out, not replaced yet
• Latest update: Out of T20 World Cup, recovery progressing

Final verdict: Will Josh Hazlewood be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

No. Josh Hazlewood will not be fit for the T20 World Cup 2026 after running out of time to complete his recovery, ruling him out of the tournament. Check all details about why Josh Hazlewood is not playing T20 World Cup 2026 here, including likely replacement.

New Zealand Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand enter the T20 World Cup 2026 with several players managing minor injuries and personal availability concerns rather than long-term fitness setbacks. While the likes of Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry are being monitored closely, New Zealand Cricket has indicated that all injured players are currently on track to be fit for the tournament and are named in the New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

Michael Bracewell Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Michael Bracewell injury update: New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after picking up an injury during the match against Afghanistan in Chennai.

• Injury: Undisclosed (sustained during support duties vs Afghanistan)
• When it happened: February 8, 2026 – NZ vs AFG
• Current status: Ruled out of tournament
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Replacement: Cole McConchie (approved by ICC Event Technical Committee)
• Squad impact: Loss of middle-order depth and spin-bowling option

Final verdict: Is Michael Bracewell Out Of T20 World Cup 2026? Who Is His Replacement?

Michael Bracewell will miss the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026 and has been officially replaced by Cole McConchie.

Adam Milne Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

Adam Milne has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a torn left hamstring during the SA20 and replaced by Kyle Jamieson.

• Injury: Torn left hamstring
• When it happened: SA20 match while bowling for Sunrisers Eastern Cape
• Current status: Ruled out after scans confirmed severity
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Unavailable
• Squad impact: Withdrawn from New Zealand squad
• Replacement: Kyle Jamieson (travelling reserve promoted)
• Latest update: Injury confirmed via scans; replacement officially named

Final verdict: Will Adam Milne be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

Adam Milne’s hamstring injury sees him miss the T20 World Cup 2026. Kyle Jamieson has been named as his replacement.

Afghanistan Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan have been forced into at least one confirmed squad change ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, with an injury ruling out a key member of their pace attack. The Afghanistan Cricket Board is expected to rely on reserves to fill the gap as they finalise their plans for the tournament.

Naveen ul Haq Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

• Injury: Undisclosed (surgery advised)
• When it happened: Ahead of West Indies T20I series
• Current status: Ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Unavailable
• Recovery timeline: Will undergo surgery later this month
• Squad impact: Removed from Afghanistan squad
• Replacement: Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi (reserve from Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad promoted)
• Latest update: Also ruled out of WI T20I series

Final verdict: Will Naveen ul Haq play T20 World Cup 2026?

Naveen ul Haq will miss the T20 World Cup 2026, forcing Afghanistan into a late pace-bowling reshuffle ahead of the tournament. Learn why. Also, why Noor Ahmad is not playing the NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup match raised questions, because it was in Chennai, where Noor plays his home games in IPL for CSK.

South Africa Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 have been hit by significant late injury concerns, with two of their middle-order options suffering a serious setback during the SA20. With squad balance already under scrutiny, South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 squad sees late changes.

Donovan Ferreira Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

Donovan Ferreira has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 following a shoulder fracture sustained during the SA20.

• Injury: Left shoulder fracture
• When it happened: SA20 match – Joburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals (January 17)
• How it happened: Awkward landing while diving on the boundary
• Current status: Undergoing rehabilitation; ruled out of SA20 playoffs
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad role: Finisher, back-up wicketkeeper, part-time bowler
• Replacement: Tristan Stubbs

Final verdict: Will Donovan Ferreira be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

Donovan Ferreira will miss the T20 World Cup 2026, forcing South Africa into a late middle-order reshuffle ahead of the tournament. He has been replaced by Tristan Stubbs. With Ferreira out injured and Heinrich Klaasen retired, South Africa have some worries in their batting department.

Tony de Zorzi Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after failing to recover fully from a hamstring injury sustained in December.

• Injury: Hamstring
• When it happened: Second ODI vs India, Raipur (December 3, 2025)
• Current status: Did not regain match fitness in time
• Recent matches missed: India T20I series; entire SA20 2026
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad impact: Removed from South Africa’s World Cup squad
• Replacement: Ryan Rickelton

Final verdict: Will Tony de Zorzi be fit for T20 World Cup 2026?

Tony de Zorzi will miss the T20 World Cup 2026, with South Africa opting to replace him after his recovery timeline extended beyond the squad deadline. He has been replaced by Ryan Rickelton.

West Indies Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

West Indies are adopting a cautious approach with Alzarri Joseph ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, prioritising long-term fitness over immediate returns. He was not named in the West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

Alzarri Joseph Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

• Injury: Lower-back issue (degeneration of previously resolved injury)
• When it happened: Recurrence noted after September 2025 Test series vs India
• Current status: Recovering; return-to-play programme ongoing
• Latest update: Ruled out of T20 World Cup, not named in squad
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability (fitness): Unavailable
• Recovery timeline: Progressing, but requires further medical clearance

Final verdict: Will Alzarri Joseph be fit to play T20 World Cup 2026?

Alzarri Joseph is ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 and wasn’t named in the squad although it’s unclear whether the injury prompted it or if he was not considered either way.

Sri Lanka Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 have been impacted by a late injury setback to one of their seam-bowling options, forcing a change in the squad just days before the tournament opener.

Matheesha Pathirana Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Matheesha Pathirana is under an injury cloud at the T20 World Cup 2026 after leaving the field early during Sri Lanka’s group-stage match against Australia in Pallekele.

• Injury: Left calf discomfort (suspected muscle strain)
• When it happened: Sri Lanka vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2026 (Pallekele)
• How it happened: Collapsed clutching his left calf four balls into his opening over
• Immediate impact: Did not complete the over; assisted off the field by support staff
• Recent matches missed: N/A (injury occurred during match)
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Under assessment
• Squad impact: Key death-bowling option; second Sri Lanka bowler under injury cloud after Wanindu Hasaranga’s withdrawal
• Replacement: None announced (awaiting scan results)

Final Verdict: Will Matheesha Pathirana Be Fit For The T20 World Cup 2026?

Matheesha Pathirana’s availability will depend on scan results. If the issue is minor calf tightness, he could return for Sri Lanka’s next group fixture. However, any confirmed muscle strain may put his participation in serious doubt for the remainder of the tournament.

Eshan Malinga Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after dislocating his shoulder during Sri Lanka’s home T20I series against England.

• Injury: Dislocated shoulder
• When it happened: Second T20I vs England (post rain interval)
• How it happened: Fell during follow-through after clutching non-bowling shoulder
• Recent matches missed: Third T20I vs England
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad impact: Removed from Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad
• Replacement: Pramod Madushan

Final Verdict: Who Replaced Eshan Malinga In Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 Squad?

Eshan Malinga will miss the T20 World Cup 2026, with Sri Lanka drafting in Pramod Madushan as a like-for-like pace replacement ahead of their tournament opener.

Wanindu Hasaranga Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Wanindu Hasaranga injury update: Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a hamstring injury sustained against Ireland.

• Injury: Hamstring
• When it happened: SL vs Ireland, Colombo
• Current status: Ruled out of tournament
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Replacement: Dushan Hemantha (approved by ICC ETC)
• Squad impact: Major blow to Sri Lanka’s spin attack

Final verdict: Who replaces Wanindu Hasaranga in Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 Squad?

Wanindu Hasaranga will take no further part in T20 World Cup 2026. He is replaced by Dushan Hemantha.

USA Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

USA’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has suffered a mid-match setback after premier fast bowler Ali Khan picked up a knee injury during the clash against India at the Wankhede Stadium. With the death overs approaching at the time of the incident, the injury could have tactical implications beyond just availability.

Ali Khan Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026

The United States have suffered a worrying moment during their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after pacer Ali Khan picked up a knee injury while fielding at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ali Khan’s injury occurred in dramatic fashion. Chasing the ball toward the boundary, he attempted to slide but his knee appeared to jam into the surface — an awkward motion that immediately raised concerns.

What happened?

• Injury: Knee impact injury
• When it happened: While fielding vs India at Wankhede Stadium
• How it happened: Attempted a sliding stop at short third man; his knee plugged into the outfield while trying to prevent the ball from running away
• Match situation: India 104/6 in the 16th over
• Overs remaining: Had two overs left to bowl at the death
• Immediate reaction: Walked off gingerly; visibly uncomfortable

Final Verdict: Will Ali Khan be fit for the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026?

It is too early to determine the severity of the injury. If it is impact-related bruising, he could return quickly. However, if there is ligament involvement, USA may face a significant setback in their pace attack. An official update from USA Cricket is awaited.

Italy Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

Italy’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has suffered an early injury setback, with captain Wayne Madsen picking up a shoulder injury on the opening day of the tournament. With Italy aiming to build momentum in a tough group, Madsen’s fitness has immediately become a key storyline, and the team’s next steps will depend on medical assessment and recovery timelines.

Wayne Madsen Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Wayne Madsen injury update: Italy captain Wayne Madsen dislocated his left shoulder during the Scotland vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match, and took no further part in the game.

• Injury: Left shoulder dislocation
• When it happened: Scotland vs Italy, Group C (3.2 of Scotland innings)
• How it happened: Dived near mid-on to stop a boundary; landed awkwardly on practice pitch area
• Current status: Walked off in visible pain; arm supported in a makeshift sling
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Under assessment
• Squad impact: Captain’s fitness now a major concern for Italy
• Replacement: Not announced

Final verdict: Is Wayne Madsen out of T20 World Cup 2026?

Wayne Madsen’s T20 World Cup 2026 status is unclear, with Italy awaiting medical assessment to determine whether he can return later in the tournament.

Zimbabwe Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have begun their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign strongly, but concerns arose around senior batter Brendan Taylor after he retired hurt during the win over Oman in Colombo.

Brendan Taylor Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Brendan Taylor injury update: Zimbabwe veteran Brendan Taylor retired hurt during the Scotland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 opener and has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup.

• Injury: Suspected muscle strain (scan awaited)
• When it happened: During Zimbabwe vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 match, Colombo
• Current status: Retired hurt; taken off as precaution
• Recent history: Third retirement hurt in last five T20 innings
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Replacement: Ben Curran
• Squad impact: Major concern given senior role

Final verdict: Is Brendan Taylor Out Of T20 World Cup 2026?

Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 with Ben Curran named as his replacement for the rest of the tournament.

Ireland Injury Updates Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

Ireland have been dealt a major blow with captain Paul Stirling injuring his knee during the Australia clash in Colombo. He has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

Paul Stirling Injury Update – T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated)

Paul Stirling injury update: Ireland captain Paul Stirling injured his right knee while taking a catch during the Australia vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 match and later retired hurt after facing just one delivery in the chase.

• Injury: Right knee injury
• When it happened: While taking a catch off Josh Inglis during Australia innings
• Match impact: Retired hurt after attempting first single
• Scan: Underwent medical scan post-match
• T20 World Cup 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Replacement: Sam Topping

Final verdict: Will Paul Stirling Be Ruled Out Of T20 World Cup 2026?

Paul Stirling won’t play in the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026 after his knee injury and has been replaced by 20-year-old Sam Topping, who is uncapped.

Follow all latest T20 World Cup news and updates here on The Dakia.