New Zealand’s young off-spinner Eden Carson has been ruled out of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Carson will undergo surgery on her right elbow on December 11. She will be out of action for six months.
The 24-year-old suffered the injury during White Ferns' training camp in Dubai leading up to Women's ODI World Cup 2025. Despite a partial ligament rupture, she managed to play all seven league stage games, bowling a total of 35.4 overs. She did not get much success, claiming just two wickets.
“The recovery timeline means she will not be available for the remainder of the home summer nor New Zealand's title defence at the 2026 T20 World Cup," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said that the decision to go under the knife was taken months before the mega event keeping the big picture in mind.
"We're all really gutted for Eden," Sawyer said. "The team has a big six months ahead and I know how difficult it was for her to make the decision to go through with the surgery now, but I fully support it.
"It'll obviously be a huge loss for the team not having Eden available, especially for the T20 World Cup where she played a big role for us last year. At just 24-years-old she's still got a long career ahead so it's important we look forward and prioritise getting her back on the park and fully fit."
Carson's contribution to title win
Carson played a pivotal role in New Zealand's maiden T20 World Cup title win in October 2024. She claimed nine wickets at an average of 16.33.
Leading up to the T20 World Cup, New Zealand will go up against Zimbabwe in February and March of 2026. Zimbabwe's tour will include three T20Is and as many ODIs.