The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to start on 7 February when India and Sri Lanka host the international competition. The 20-team tournament generates excitement which leads to injuries that force teams to change their original strategies. Cricket teams face injuries as a result of their efforts to control player workloads. The tournament already suffered a major loss when two important players were declared unfit to play through their early injuries. Players Ruled Out of T20 World Cup 2026 1. Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan) Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right shoulder. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that he will undergo surgery in the United Kingdom. His absence from the team creates major problems for Afghanistan because he has been their top bowler for multiple ICC events. Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi has been named as his replacement. 2. Adam Milne (New Zealand) New Zealand pacer Adam Milne suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the SA20 league. Following medical scans, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that he will miss the World Cup. The team added Kyle Jamieson to the squad who brings extra bounce and batting strength because of his tall fast bowler body type. 3. Donovan Ferreira (South Africa) South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira sustained an injury to his left clavicle during the later stages of SA20. After medical assessment, Cricket South Africa ruled him out of the tournament. Ferreira’s recent form had made him a strong contender in the middle order. Tristan Stubbs has been named as his replacement. Also Read | "Informed" not "asked"! Bangladesh player made shocking reveal after ICC rules out BCB from '26 T20 World Cup 4. Tony de Zorzi (South Africa) Tony de Zorzi was ruled out after failing to recover from a right hamstring tear suffered during South Africa’s tour of India. His recovery did not progress as expected, prompting CSA to replace him with Ryan Rickelton, who has been in fine form at the top of the order. Injury Concerns Around Other Players Several players remain under injury watch while the team has already confirmed some absences. Nathan Ellis from Australia missed the Big Bash League final because of an injury which has created uncertainty about his World Cup participation. Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel all have injuries which India needs to address. The medical staff will observe their recovery progress during the next several days. Teams want their players to recover fully before the tournament starts so they can play in upcoming matches.