Star RCB player gets ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia has suffered another huge blow ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026in India and Sri Lanka as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star, Josh Hazlewood, has been ruled out of the event just five days before the opening clash against Ireland, but a decision on a replacement will be made at a later stage. His withdrawal follows that of their captain, Pat Cummins.

Josh Hazlewood’s absence is significant after a dominant 2025 in the shortest format. He took 12 wickets at 16.58 and an economy rate of 7.37 in 2025 during the Indian Premier League (IPL). But his numbers inside the power play were even better, taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 6.72. He tore through the Proteas in Darwin and India in Melbourne with figures of 3/27 and 3/13 from four overs.

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“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super 8 stage, but the latest indications are that he is still some time away, and accelerating his program will carry too much risk. We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games, so we will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.” Selector Tony Dodemaide expressed.

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 for Australia

Australia had other injury concerns ahead of the event. Adam Zampa, who reported groin tightness during the final T20I against Pakistan, will be available for the opening game against Ireland, as the reports claimed, while Nathan Ellis and Tim David are on track for the group stage of the tournament.

Hazlewood’s absence means it will be the first time since the 2009 Champions Trophy that the national side has gone to an ICC event without one of Hazlewood, Cummins, or Mitchell Starc (retired). Steve Smith or David Warner in the squad.

None of David, Ellis, and Zampa were available to play in the warm-up against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 05 that was washed out without a ball bowled after the Australia side had listed the only eleven fit players they had available in the squad.