Steve Smith Replaces Injured Hazlewood in Australia Squad

NEW DELHI: (Web Desk) – Steve Smith has been officially approved as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the Australia squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Hazlewood was ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury, with team medical staff unable to clear him in time for later matches.

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The addition of Smith required approval from the Event Technical Committee, which oversees all squad changes during the tournament. The committee includes Wasim Khan (Chair and ICC General Manager – Cricket), Gaurav Saxena (ICC General Manager – Events & Corporate Communications and IBC representative), Hemang Amin (Tournament Director, host representative), and Shaun Pollock (Independent nominee). With Smith now officially part of the squad, Australia aims to maintain its balance and competitiveness in the ongoing T20 World Cup.