2 min readFeb 16, 2026 11:25 PM IST
Cole McConchie, an off-spinning all-rounder, who was part of the New Zealand travelling contingent in India as a travelling reserve, has been given the green light by the Event Technical Committee of the ongoing T20 World Cup to replace the injured Michael Bracewell in New Zealand’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. McConchie made his international debut in 2021 in Bangladesh during a five-match T20 series in Mirpur, taking seven wickets and finishing as New Zealand’s second-highest series wicket-taker.
The all-rounder who plays for Canterbury Kings as their T20 captain has played in 133 T20s — of which 12 are international games for the Black Caps — throughout his 14-year professional career. He has led the Kings to six consecutive Super Smash Grand Finals.
The thirty-four-year-old said he was delighted to get called into the squad.
“It’s pretty surreal to be here,” McConchie was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket’s official website in a statement.
“It doesn’t get much better than a World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. You’re always striving to wear the fern, and to get the call up is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to contributing in any way I can.”
New Zealand take on Canada in their final Group D match on Tuesday in Chennai.
Recently, New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson departed for home for the birth of him and his wife’s first child.
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This will not mean the end of the tournament for Ferguson: should the Black Caps secure tournament progression and Ferguson is clear to return to the sub-continent in time.
Head coach Rob Walter is fully supportive of Ferguson’s leave.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma and we’re pleased that he’ll be at home for such a special occasion,” the Black Caps coach said.
