Thu Feb 12 06:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Sri Lanka and New Zealand Forced to Make Squad Replacements at T20 World Cup 2026 Due to Injuries

The Story:
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has seen its first squad changes as both Sri Lanka and New Zealand have been forced to replace key players due to injuries. Dushan Hemantha has been approved as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lanka squad after Hasaranga sustained a left hamstring injury during the match against Ireland on February 8, 2026. New Zealand is also seeking a replacement for Michael Bracewell, who suffered a calf injury during warm-ups against Afghanistan, also on February 8, 2026.

The replacements were approved by the Event Technical Committee (ETC), which includes prominent figures such as Wasim Khan, Gaurav Saxena, Hemang Amin, and Shaun Pollock. New Zealand has yet to name Bracewell’s replacement.

Key Points:

  • Dushan Hemantha replaces Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lanka squad.
  • Hasaranga’s injury occurred on February 8, 2026, against Ireland (left hamstring).
  • Michael Bracewell (New Zealand) is also ruled out due to a calf injury sustained on February 8, 2026, against Afghanistan.
  • New Zealand has not yet named Bracewell’s replacement.
  • The Event Technical Committee (ETC) approved both replacements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Injuries are an inevitable part of major sporting tournaments, impacting team composition and strategies.
  • The Event Technical Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the tournament by approving player replacements.
  • The timing of the injuries (February 8, 2026) suggests that the early stages of the tournament are proving physically demanding for players.
  • Sri Lanka acted swiftly in naming Hasaranga’s replacement, while New Zealand is still in the process of finding a suitable player.

Impact Analysis:

The loss of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Michael Bracewell could significantly impact their respective teams’ performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. Hasaranga’s absence is a major blow to Sri Lanka’s spin bowling attack and middle-order batting. Bracewell’s injury weakens New Zealand’s middle-order stability. The success of their replacements will be critical in determining whether Sri Lanka and New Zealand can maintain their competitiveness throughout the tournament.

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