New Zealand announce 16-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

LAHORE: As cricket fans around the world gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand selector Sam Wells on Monday announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming mega-event set to commence in June this year.

Led by captain Kane Williamson, the Black Caps' squad include veteran Tim Southee who will be playing his seventh T20 World Cup — one more than Williamson who will be leading the side in the fourth tournament as the team's skipper.

The side's experience is further boosted by left-arm pacer Trent Boult's inclusion who will be featuring in his fifth T20 World Cup along with the fact that 13 of the named players being part of the team's tour to the Caribbean nation in 2022.

Furthermore, six players have played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament, allowing them key insight into the playing conditions which might likely prove useful in the upcoming mega event.

Apart from Southee, who is also the leading wicket taker in the shortest format of the game, the NZ side include Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

Meanwhile, Ben Sears will travel with the side as a travelling reserve.

The team's announcement comes after fast bowler Adam Milne was ruled out of the tournament due to ankle surgery, whereas Kylie Jamieson was also unavailable as he is undergoing rehabilitation for his back injury.

Expressing his views on the squad, coach Gary Stead said that the players have been chosen on their ability to adapt to the varied conditions that are expected in West Indies.

Additionally, batting coach Luke Ronchi along with bowing coach Jacob Oram and assistant coach James Foster will be part of the support staff under Stead's leadership.

The Black Caps are slated to leave for the World Cup on May 23.