Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has confirmed he will miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 because of a lingering back issue, a decision driven by caution rather than panic. The Test and ODI skipper — who has already completed the rare hat-trick of a T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and World Test Championship title — admitted the timeline for recovery simply didn’t allow him to take risks ahead of a major tournament.
Cummins said a minor back injury needed additional weeks to heal and that initial optimism about a four-week return was dashed after follow-up scans. “I feel pretty good, just a minor setback and I just ran out of time, really,” he told the Australian media. The medical team’s conservative advice was clear: let the bone settle properly before ramping up workload, even if it meant sitting out one of the marquee events on the calendar.
The 30-something spearhead hasn’t featured regularly since Australia’s West Indies tour last year and only turned out for a lone Test during the Ashes — a series Australia dominated. With the World Cup window closing, Pat Cummins chose the long-term view: prioritising full fitness for the seasons ahead rather than rushing back and risking a recurrence. He also admitted the decision leaves his availability for the upcoming IPL uncertain, saying it will depend on rehab progress.
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Pat Cummins’ absence reshapes Australia’s attack for the T20 showpiece. The selectors have brought in left-arm swing option Ben Dwarshuis as part of the 15-member squad, a move that shifts powerplay strategy and bowling balance. Dwarshuis is a specialist in the new ball phase and offers variety, but he does not replicate Cummins’ ability to lead the attack across all three phases.
Pat Cummins admits a desire to be right for the jam-packed Test schedule is part of the reason why he’ll miss the T20 World Cup: https://t.co/aN9oJtRr4T pic.twitter.com/cUzphOoGzQ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 3, 2026
Australia’s T20 World Cup squad read: 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. Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott.
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Cummins’ short-term target is straightforward: rest, rehab and return stronger for Test cricket. With Australia eyeing another strong WTC campaign, the captain says his focus will tilt toward the five-day format and ensuring he’s available for crucial Test fixtures. For now, Australia will manage without one of their most dependable leaders, hoping that smart workload management and depth in their pace unit will cover the gap while Cummins completes his recovery.
