New Zealand suffered a major blow ahead of the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against hosts Pakistan as fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury.
Ferguson sustained the injury during the warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday, where he experienced pain in his right foot after bowling a spell.
Following an initial medical assessment, it was confirmed that the speedster would not recover in time for the tournament.
With the Champions Trophy set to kick off tomorrow and its short duration making a return unlikely, the decision was made to send Lockie Ferguson back home for rehabilitation.
In his absence, pacer Kyle Jamieson has been drafted into the Blackcaps squad and is set to depart for Pakistan this evening.
Jamieson recently made a successful comeback to domestic cricket in December after a 10-month recovery from a back stress fracture.
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New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Ferguson’s injury, acknowledging the pacer’s importance to the team.
“We’re really disappointed for Lockie [Ferguson],” Stead said. “He’s a key part of our bowling attack and brings valuable experience in major tournaments.”
“We know how much he was looking forward to playing, and we hope he makes a swift recovery.”
However, Stead is confident that Jamieson can step up and fill the void left by Ferguson.
“Kyle brings extra pace and bounce, which will be effective in these conditions,” Stead added.
“He’s been bowling with great energy since his return and has shown his ability in the shorter formats. Given his recent workload and performances, he’s ready if needed in the tournament.”
New Zealand will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 against Pakistan on 19 February at Karachi’s newly renovated National Bank Stadium.
They will then travel to Rawalpindi for the match against Bangladesh, scheduled on 24 February, while their final group match is scheduled against India in Dubai on 2 March.
New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
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