New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will ​miss his side’s next T20 ‌World Cup group game against ​Canada as he ⁠was granted paternal leave of absence, New Zealand Cricket announced on Sunday (February 15, 2026).

Ferguson, ‌34, will depart for home on Sunday (February 15) ‌and is expected to ‌make ⁠a return by the ⁠start of the Super 8 stage of the tournament, provided New Zealand ​are able to ‌clear the group stage.

“At this stage, we won’t be replacing Lockie in the squad ‌as the plan would ​be for him to return for the Super ⁠8 phase of the tournament,” head coach Rob Walter said ‌in a statement on New Zealand Cricket official website.

“But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called ‌into the squad should we need ​them.”

New Zealand have won two out of their ⁠three group matches so far, losing ⁠to South Africa by seven wickets on Saturday (February 14), ‌and will play Canada on Tuesday (February 17).