NEW DELHI: In a major setback for Zimbabwe, experienced wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of the ongoing T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Ben Curran in the squad.

The 40-year-old Taylor limped off the field after retiring hurt during Zimbabwe’s eight-wicket win over Oman here on February 9.

“Brendan Taylor picked up an injury and he's been ruled out of the competition,” captain Sikandar Raza said at the toss ahead of Zimbabwe’s match against Australia here on Friday.

Top-order batter Curran, the brother of England all-rounder Sam Curran, was cleared as Taylor’s replacement by the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

“Curran was named as a replacement when Taylor was ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring injury during the match against Oman on 9 February,” the ICC said in a statement.

Any player replacement must receive approval from the Event Technical Committee before the incoming player can be officially added to the squad.

Taylor appeared uncomfortable while running between the wickets and was taken off immediately after retiring hurt on 31 off 30 balls during Zimbabwe’s chase against Oman.

Raza later explained that the decision was taken to avoid worsening the injury, given Taylor’s importance to the side.

Taylor has featured in 36 Tests, 207 ODIs and 59 T20Is since making his Zimbabwe debut in 2004. He had also retired hurt in his previous T20 innings last month, marking the third time he has done so in his last five T20 outings.

Fast bowler Richard Ngarava also missed Friday’s match against Australia as a precaution.

“Richard Ngarava is more of a precautionary measure. His first scan and second scan has come back pretty positive. So he misses out today as well,” Raza said at the toss.

(With PTI Inputs)