Matt Henry Granted Parental Leave During T20 World Cup

New Zealand’s fast bowler Matt Henry will be on parental leave after the team’s final Super 8 match against England in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Friday. Henry and his wife are expecting their second child, and he will take time off to be with his family.

Henry has been one of New Zealand’s top performers in this tournament. He is the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team so far, taking six wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 7.38. His consistent bowling has been important for New Zealand in the Super 8 stage.

This is the second time a New Zealand player has been granted parental leave during a tournament. Earlier, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was given paternity leave just before their group stage match against Canada. Ferguson later rejoined the team and played in New Zealand’s Super 8 victory against Sri Lanka on February 25.

The NZC said that granting parental leave reflects their commitment to supporting players’ family needs while balancing professional cricket. Henry’s temporary absence is expected to be managed by the team’s bowling lineup as they continue their campaign in the T20 World Cup.