The off-spinner Eden Carson has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury and will undergo surgery on her right elbow on December 11.

The recovery is expected to be around six months before returning to play. Carson picked an a partial ligament rupture in the elbow during New Zealand’s training camp in Dubai ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

However, she managed her injury and played all seven league stage games for New Zealand. Bowling 35.4 overs, Eden Carson picked two wickets at an economy rate of 5.66 in 35.4 overs of bowling.

“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,” said New Zealand Cricket in a statement.

The injury affecting her bowling arm, head coach Ben Sawyer said, the team had opted for surgery to prioritise her long-term future.

“We’re all really gutted for Eden,” said White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer. “The team has a big six months ahead, and I know how difficult it was for her to decide 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, she’s still got a long career ahead, so we must look forward and prioritise getting her back on the park and fully fit.”

Eden Carson has been part of the New Zealand squad which won the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai. She picked up nine wickets in six bowling innings at an economy of 6.39.

Eden Carson’s injury will be a significant blow for the Whiteferns, who are set for the title defence in England and Wales.

New Zealand will play a total of 11 T20Is ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Whiteferns will host Zimbabwe across white ball formats (3 T20Is and 3 ODIs) in February and March, before hosting South Africa on a white-ball tour (5 T20Is and 3 ODIs) in March and April.

Finally, they play a three-match T20I series against England in May ahead of the marquee event.

New Zealand women will play their opener game against the West Indies on June 13, 2026, at The Rose BowlSouthampton.