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Namibia's T20 WC Squad Shakeup: Volschenk Replaces Injured Shikongo

Namibia has called up seam-bowling all-rounder Alex Volschenk to replace the injured fast bowler Ben Shikongo for the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Shikongo sustained a thigh injury during Namibia's match against India in New Delhi. The replacement was formally approved by the ICC Event Technical Committee, which includes notable figures like Shaun Pollock. Namibia, yet to win a match, faces a crucial final group game against Pakistan that could determine the latter's tournament fate.

Key Points: Namibia T20 WC: Alex Volschenk Replaces Ben Shikongo

  • Shikongo injured vs India
  • ICC committee approves Volschenk
  • Volschenk was traveling reserve
  • Namibia faces must-win vs Pakistan
2 min read

T20 WC: Alex Volschenk approved as replacement for Ben Shikongo in Namibia's squad

Namibia replaces injured Ben Shikongo with Alex Volschenk for T20 World Cup 2026. ICC committee approves the change ahead of crucial Pakistan match.

"The Event Technical Committee... has approved Alex Volschenk as a replacement for Ben Shikongo - ICC Statement"

New Delhi, Feb 16

Namibia have drafted seam-bowling all-rounder Alex Volschenk into their squad for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup after fast bowler Ben Shikongo was ruled out with a thigh injury, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.

Shikongo sustained the injury to his right thigh during Namibia's Group A match against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12 and was subsequently withdrawn from the tournament. The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Volschenk as his replacement for the rest of the competition.

"The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Alex Volschenk as a replacement for Ben Shikongo in the Namibia squad," the governing body said in a statement on Monday.

Volschenk has played five T20Is and as many ODIs for Namibia so far and captained them in the 2024 Men's U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. He was already with the Namibia squad as their traveling reserve. Under ICC rules, any replacement requires formal clearance from the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.

The committee comprises Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager - Cricket, who serves as chair; Gaurav Saxena, ICC General Manager - Events & Corporate Communications and IBC representative; Hemang Amin, Tournament Director and host representative; and former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock, serving as the independent nominee.

Namibia, who are making their fourth successive appearance at the Men's T20 World Cup, are at the bottom of the Group A points table with no wins so far. Their final league stage match will be played against 2009 champions Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 18.

If Gerhard Erasmus-led Namibia manages to pull off an upset win, Pakistan will be knocked out of the competition and USA will take the second Super Eights spot after defending champions India sealed theirs through a 61-run win in Colombo on Sunday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting to see the composition of the Event Technical Committee. Good to have an Indian representative there with Gaurav Saxena. The process for replacements seems very structured, which is important for a global tournament.
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Aman W
Namibia vs Pakistan is now a massive game! If Namibia wins, Pakistan is out and USA goes through. That would be crazy for the group. All the pressure is on Babar Azam's team now. Can't wait for the 18th!
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Sarah B
It's impressive that Namibia is making its fourth straight T20 WC appearance. They are a great story for associate nations. Hope Volschenk gets a chance to shine. The future looks bright for them, especially with their U19 pipeline.
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Vikram M
Shikongo got injured against India, right? Feel bad for the guy. But honestly, the article feels a bit repetitive stating the ICC approval twice. Could have used that space to tell us more about Volschenk's recent form or bowling style.
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Kavya N
As an Indian fan, our team is through which is the main thing! 🎉 But it's nice to see these smaller teams get coverage. Their match against Pakistan just became must-watch TV. The World Cup format creates these exciting last-game scenarios.

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