Ferguson, Henry may take paternity leave during T20 World Cup

Pace bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry may miss brief periods of the upcoming T20 World Cup on paternity leave and are also among a group of New Zealand players recovering from injuries ahead of the tournament.

The duo, who are both coming back from calf injuries, have been included in New Zealand's 15-player squad alongside Finn Allen (finger/hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle) and captain Mitchell Santner (adductor). Ferguson has not played for New Zealand since November 2024.

A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release said all those carrying injuries were "undergoing respective return-to-play plans and are currently on track to be fit for the tournament."

Adam Milne, who last played for New Zealand in July, and allrounder James Neesham are also part of the squad while Jacob Duffy will feature in his first World Cup. Kyle Jamieson has been included as a traveling reserve.

"With Ferguson and Henry's partners due to give birth during the tournament period it is likely they will be granted short-term paternity leave," NZC said.

Tim Robinson, who scored a century against Australia last October, has missed out in a top-order batting squeeze which sees Allen, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert earn the available slots. Seifert will take the wicketkeeping duties with Conway providing back-up.

"As always, the balance of the squad is critical," coach Rob Walter said. "We've got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different.

"This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable."

New Zealand are in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the UAE, with their opening match on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan.

They will prepare for the tournament with five T20Is against India will follow a three-match ODI series.

Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne Wellington, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi | Traveling reserve: Kyle Jamieson