Why is Alex Volschenk Replacing Ben Shikongo in Namibia's Squad for T20 WC?
Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Namibia has opted for Alex Volschenk as a replacement for Ben Shikongo in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to injury. This decision has significant implications for the team's performance as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the tournament. Will this change make a difference?
Key Takeaways
Alex Volschenk replaces Ben Shikongo due to injury.
The ICC confirmed the replacement.
Volschenk has prior international experience.
Namibia is currently at the bottom of Group A.
Their next crucial match is against Pakistan.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Namibia has officially included seam-bowling all-rounder Alex Volschenk in their squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup following the withdrawal of fast bowler Ben Shikongo due to a thigh injury, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday.
Shikongo suffered 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, leading to his removal from the tournament. The ICC's Event Technical Committee has sanctioned Volschenk as his replacement for the duration of the competition.
“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Alex Volschenk as a substitute for Ben Shikongo in the Namibia squad,” the governing body stated on Monday.
Volschenk has participated in five T20Is and as many ODIs for Namibia and has captained them in the 2024 Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. He was already with the Namibia team as a traveling reserve. According to ICC regulations, any replacement must receive formal approval from the Event Technical Committee before the player’s official inclusion in the squad.
The committee is led by Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager – Cricket, and includes Gaurav Saxena, ICC General Manager – Events & Corporate Communications, along with a representative from the IBC, Hemang Amin, Tournament Director and host representative, and former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock, serving as the independent nominee.
Namibia, making their fourth consecutive appearance at the Men’s T20 World Cup, currently sits at the bottom of the Group A points table with no victories thus far. Their final league-stage match is set against the 2009 champions Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 18.
Should the Gerhard Erasmus-led Namibia achieve an upset victory, Pakistan would be eliminated from the tournament, allowing the USA to claim the second Super Eights spot after the defending champions India secured theirs with a 61-run win in Colombo on Sunday.
Point of View
This development in Namibia's T20 squad is noteworthy. With the loss of a key player like Shikongo, the team's reliance on Volschenk to step up is paramount. It reflects the dynamic nature of cricket where injuries can alter the course of a team's journey in major tournaments.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Ben Shikongo in the Namibia squad?
Alex Volschenk has been approved as the replacement for Ben Shikongo.
What caused Ben Shikongo's withdrawal?
He suffered a thigh injury during a match against India.
How many T20Is has Alex Volschenk played for Namibia?
Alex Volschenk has played five T20Is for Namibia.
When is Namibia's next match in the T20 World Cup?
Namibia's next match is against Pakistan on February 18.
