4 Players missing: Major difference in Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad from 2024 edition

Australia squad for T20 World Cup [Source: AFP]

On Saturday, Australia recently announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka starting from February 7. While the squad looks strong overall, there are some major changes compared to the team that played in the 2024 edition. 

Most importantly, four players from the 2024 squad are missing this time, and their absence has created a noticeable difference in the team’s balance and experience.

Firstly, Australia suffered a big setback as star fast bowler and former captain Pat Cummins was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Along with Cummins, top-order batter Matthew Short was also removed from the original 15-player list. To fill these gaps, selectors added left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis and batter Matthew Renshaw to the squad.

Meanwhile, this article focuses on the four players from Australia’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad who are not part of the 2026 edition and explains where they are now.

Australia's 2024 T20 World Cup squad and who are missing

1) Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins led Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup and was expected to play again in 2026. However, due to his persistent back injury, he has been ruled out of this mega tournament. The medical team advised rest, and Australia chose not to risk their star fast bowler.

2) Matthew Wade

Wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade had a disappointing performance in the 2024 World Cup. He scored only 27 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 112.50. 

Soon after Australia’s exit from the tournament, Wade announced his retirement from international cricket in October. Therefore, he is no longer an option. In the 2026 World Cup, Josh Inglis will take over wicketkeeping duties.

3) Mitchell Starc

Another big name missing is Mitchell Starc. Although Starc was one of Australia’s most dangerous bowlers, Starc picked up only five wickets in five matches in 2024, with an economy rate of 8.56. 

Later, in September 2025, he officially announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, which explains his absence from the 2026 squad.

3) David Warner

Veteran opener David Warner also retired after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Warner made the announcement on June 25, 2024, following Australia’s elimination. 

In that tournament, Warner scored 178 runs in seven innings with a strike rate of 139.06. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh has taken over the opening role alongside Travis Head, and the pair has shown good form.

4) Ashton Agar

The final player missing is all-rounder Ashton Agar. The 32-year-old played only two matches in the 2024 World Cup and later fell out of Australia’s plans. 

With the team now focusing more on spin-heavy combinations and exploring other pace options like Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett, the 32-year-old has been left out.

Australia T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa

Australia T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa