Massive setback for Australia! Pat Cummins to miss at least 2 T20 World Cup 2026 group stage games

Australia will be without the services of their star pacer Pat Cummins for the first few group stage games in the T20 World Cup 2026, confirmed chief selector George Bailey. On January 19, Bailey provided an update on three injured players — Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David – as he announced a 17-member squad for three-T20I series against Pakistan.

While Bailey is optimistic about Hazlewood and David recovering before the mega event, he said that it is different for Cummins who may miss at least two group stage games of the T20 World Cup 2026.

“[David] had a very minor setback (for hamstring injury recovery), I think last week, so didn’t quite get through a running session that he was hoping to, but has since been cleared of any damage," Bailey told the media.

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“It was just, I think, on the back of a heavy week. So he’s still tracking for the start of the tournament. Josh is in the same boat and Pat’s a little bit different … he’ll probably join that World Cup group a little bit later in the tournament, around game three or four."

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Cummins has had troubles with his lower back. After months of rehabilitation, he returned for the Adelaide Test. As Australia retained the Ashes 2025-26, he was rested for the remainder of the series. Cricket Australia intends to give Cummins ample time to regain match fitness.

“If we can, absolutely, that’s the plan," Bailey said. “Clearly, if something moves and we’re forced to cover that, we will, but, yes, hopefully all things being equal, that’ll be how that one plays out."

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 groups stage schedule

The T20 World Cup 2021-winners Australia begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium. Their second match is against Zimbabwe at the same venue on February 13. Bailey has confirmed that Cummins will miss the first two games.

However, the team management would hope that he recovers in time for the crucial clash against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 16. Their last group stage game is against Oman on February 20 at the same venue.

Australia’s back-up plan in place already

Meanwhile, Australia have added a few pacers to the attack for the three-T20I series against Pakistan. The 17-member squad features the likes of Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis. If Cummins misses out, one of these players may be included in the squad. Australia are highly likely to name a travelling reserve as a cover for Cummins closer to the mega event.