New Zealand Face Significant Setback Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old felt discomfort in his left hamstring during the BLACKCAPS’ first training session in Karachi on Wednesday. Subsequent scans confirmed a minor tear, requiring at least two weeks of rehabilitation.
With Sears set to miss most of New Zealand’s Group A matches, including key encounters, the team management has decided to replace him in the squad. Otago Volts pacer Jacob Duffy has been called up as his replacement.
Duffy, already part of New Zealand’s squad for the ongoing ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa, is fully acclimatized to the conditions in Karachi.
BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears’ untimely injury, especially as it would have been his first major ICC tournament.
“We’re all really feeling for Ben,” Stead said. “It’s always tough to be ruled out so close to a major event, and given it was set to be his first ICC tournament, it’s even more unfortunate.”
“With the short nature of the Champions Trophy, we felt it was best to bring in a fully fit player ready to contribute from the start.”
Stead remains optimistic about Sears’ recovery, expecting him to return for New Zealand’s home series against Pakistan.
On Duffy’s inclusion, Stead added, “Jacob has shown his ability at the international level, particularly in the recent series against Sri Lanka. He’s already with the squad, accustomed to these conditions, and fully prepared to step in.”
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 19, with New Zealand facing defending champions and hosts Pakistan in the tournament opener. Before that, the BLACKCAPS will play a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday.
New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
