Last Updated:
Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a foot injury, and he will be replaced by Kyle Jamieson in the squad led by Mitchell Santner.
Lockie Ferguson ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025. (Picture Credit: AFP)
The New Zealand men’s cricket team, which is all set to open its campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 19, against Pakistan at National Stadium in Karachi, suffered a big setback on Tuesday (February 18) when it was confirmed that star fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will miss the eight-team tournament in Dubai and Pakistan due to an injury.
The 33-year-old right-arm fast bowler, who has 99 wickets to his name in 65 ODI matches played so far, has been ruled out due to a foot injury. He will be replaced by Kyle Jamieson in the squad.
According to a release shared by Black Caps on X, “Ferguson felt some pain in his right foot after bowling a spell in the informal warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday and an initial medical assessment indicated he would not be fit enough to take part in the entire tournament. Given the proximity to the start of the Champions Trophy and the short nature of the tournament, the decision was made to send Ferguson home to begin rehabilitation. Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will replace Ferguson in the squad and will depart for Pakistan this evening.”
New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead said it was tough news for Ferguson and the team.
“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” said Stead. “Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon,” he added.
Stead feels Jamieson’s unique skillset made him an effective replacement for Ferguson.
“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan,” he said.
“He’s shown since returning in the Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.”
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (WK), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
- Location :
Karachi, Pakistan
