New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson. File | Photo Credit: AP New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will miss his side’s next T20 World Cup group game against Canada as he was granted paternal leave of absence, New Zealand Cricket announced on Sunday (February 15, 2026). Ferguson, 34, will depart for home on Sunday (February 15) and is expected to make a return by the start of the Super 8 stage of the tournament, provided New Zealand are able to clear the group stage. “At this stage, we won’t be replacing Lockie in the squad as the plan would be for him to return for the Super 8 phase of the tournament,” head coach Rob Walter said in a statement on New Zealand Cricket official website. “But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad should we need them.” New Zealand have won two out of their three group matches so far, losing to South Africa by seven wickets on Saturday (February 14), and will play Canada on Tuesday (February 17). Published – February 15, 2026 10:28 am IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation In frames | Hook, line, and ice Bengal: Coach of empty passenger train catches fire, none injured