Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Due To Injury; New Zealand Announce Replacement

New Zealand has lost the services of Lockie Ferguson ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Mitchell Santner-led Kiwi side will open the tournament on February 19 against hosts Pakistan in Lahore’s Gaddi stadium.

Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the event. The selectors will announce a replacement on Tuesday, February 18.

Ferguson will miss the event because of a right foot injury. He noticed soreness in his foot after bowling during a warm-up game in Karachi on Sunday. Medical tests proved that he would not be fit for the competition, therefore the selectors decided to send Ferguson home to begin his recuperation.

“Disappointed for Lockie Ferguson”- Gary Stead

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead is saddened by Lockie Ferguson's injury, which he calls bad news for both him and the team. Stead wishes Ferguson a fast recovery and hopes he will be back to form soon.

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

Kyle Jamieson will replace the injured Lockie Ferguson in New Zealand's Champions Trophy squad and will travel to Pakistan immediately.

Kyle Jamieson Brings Plenty of Pace and Extra Bounce - Gary Stead

Jamieson has represented New Zealand in 45 international matches, winning Player of the Match in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final against India. September 2023 was the last time he participated in an ODI.

Following his recuperation from an injury, Jamieson played a significant part in the Canterbury Kings' Super Smash campaign when he returned to domestic cricket in December. The right-arm pacer has also played for Canterbury in recent Ford Trophy matches.

Jamieson to fill Ferguson's void

Lockie Ferguson will be replaced by Kyle Jamieson, according to Gary Stead, who also noted that Jamieson's speed and bounce will work well in Pakistani circumstances.

“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan. He’s shown since returning in the Dream11 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.

We’ve been pleased with the progress he’s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament,” Stead added.

New Zealand already lost Ben Sears due to a hamstring tear and was replaced with Jacob Duffy.

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