Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025, Kyle Jamieson Named as Replacement for New Zealand

New Zealand has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Pakistan, as pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the tournament due to a foot injury. The 2025 Champions Trophy begins on February 19, with New Zealand set to face Pakistan in Karachi.

INJURY SETBACK FOR FERGUSON

The injury occurred after Ferguson experienced pain in his right foot following a bowling spell during an informal warm-up match against Afghanistan on Sunday, February 18. A medical assessment confirmed that the injury would prevent him from participating in the entire tournament. Consequently, Ferguson has been sent back to New Zealand to begin his rehabilitation process.

KYLE JAMIESON TO REPLACE FERGUSON

In light of Ferguson’s absence, New Zealand Cricket (NCA) has called up pacer Kyle Jamieson as his replacement for the Champions Trophy. Jamieson will leave for Pakistan on Tuesday evening to join the squad. 

Jamieson had previously been sidelined for 10 months due to a stress fracture in his back but made an impressive return to domestic cricket in December 2024 with the Canterbury Kings in the Super Smash. The 6’8” pacer played a vital role in the Kings' run to the Grand Final, finishing as one of the competition's top wicket-takers with 14 wickets. Notably, he claimed figures of 4-12 against the Central Stags, further showcasing his readiness for the international stage.

GARY STEAD'S REACTION TO FERGUSON'S INJURY

New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, expressed his disappointment over the loss of Ferguson, a key figure in the team’s bowling attack. "It’s tough news for Lockie, and we are all feeling for him," Stead said. "Lockie is an important part of our bowling unit and brings invaluable experience to major tournaments. He was looking forward to the Champions Trophy, and we wish him the best for a full recovery."

JAMIESON’S POTENTIAL TO SHINE

Despite the setback, Stead was confident that Jamieson’s inclusion would bring a fresh dynamic to the side. "Kyle has the pace and bounce that will be vital in Pakistan’s conditions," Stead explained. "Since Hitorn in the Super Smash, he has been in excellent form, bowling with great pace and energy—exactly what we need in a pacer at a major event."

NEW ZEALAND'S SQUAD FOR ICC MEN'S CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025

With Ferguson out, New Zealand's updated squad for the tournament is as follows:

• - Captain: Mitchell Santner
• - Michael Bracewell
• - Mark Chapman
• - Devon Conway
• - Kyle Jamieson (Replacement for Lockie Ferguson)
• - Matt Henry
• - Tom Latham
• - Daryl Mitchell
• - Will O’Rourke
• - Glenn Phillips
• - Rachin Ravindra
• - Nathan Smith
• - Kane Williamson
• - Will Young
• - Jacob Duffy

GROUP A OF THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Along with New Zealand, Group A also features Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, setting the stage for a thrilling round-robin series leading to the knockout stages of the competition. 

New Zealand’s first match against Pakistan will take place on February 19, and the team will be hoping to adjust to the challenges of Ferguson’s absence while putting forward a strong performance in the tournament.