New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson ruled out of Champions Trophy due to injury

Srinagar : New Zealand have suffered a major blow on the eve of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with key pacer Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Ferguson will miss the eight-team tournament due to an injury to his right foot, with the right-armer replaced in New Zealand’s squad by fellow pacer Kyle Jamieson.

While Jamieson has played 45 international matches for New Zealand and won the Player of the Match award for the Black Caps in their victory at the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final against India in 2021, he hasn’t featured in an ODI since he played against Bangladesh in Mirpur in September 2023.

The loss of Ferguson will further dent New Zealand’s hopes at the Champions Trophy, with the side also forced to replace pacer Ben Sears due to injury earlier this week. Seamer Jacob Duffy came into their squad on that occasion.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead was disappointed to lose Ferguson for the event, but is confident Jamieson can perform well as his replacement.

“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” Stead said.

“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.”

All teams finalised their squads of 15 to the ICC earlier this month and changes can only be made with approval from the Event Technical Committee.

New Zealand commence their Champions Trophy campaign against hosts Pakistan in the tournament opener in Lahore on 19 February. — (KIMS)