Chennai: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday named off-spinning all-rounder Cole Mackenzie as the replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
McConchie, who traveled as a reserve with the Indian team, replaced Bracewell in the New Zealand squad, receiving official approval from the Event Technical Committee (ETC) of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
During New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai, Bracewell, who was on substitute duty, was injured and left.
The EDC consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Gaurav Saxena (IPC Representative), Hemang Amin (Host Representative) and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).
McConchie, who captains Canterbury Kings in the Super Smash, has featured in 133 T20Is – including 12 internationals – in his 14-year professional career. He led the Kings to six consecutive Super Smash Grand Finals.
The 34-year-old made his international debut during the five-match T20I series against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2021, taking seven wickets to become New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series.
Patiently waiting for his chance, he described the moment as a dream come true and reiterated his commitment to contribute to the team’s campaign in India and Sri Lanka.
“It’s amazing to be here. It doesn’t get any better than the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. You always try to wear the fern and to get the call is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can,” McConchie said.
Notably, New Zealand is on the verge of qualifying for the Super Eight round of the tournament.
They are currently second in the group with two wins and one loss from three matches and need one more win to secure their place in the next round.
Updated New Zealand squad for 2026 T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Santner (catch), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Cole.