Big Blow for New Zealand! Experienced Fast Bowler Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand has suffered a big blow as experienced fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. He will not be able to take the field anymore. As a result, Kyle Jamieson has been called up to the 15-member squad in his place.

Ferguson had played a crucial role in New Zealand’s success in the last two World Cups. However, during the International League T20 in the UAE in early February, he suffered an injury. While playing for Desert Vipers, he was forced to leave the field before completing his full quota of overs. After that, he could not participate in the remaining matches. He was also sidelined as a spectator in the tri-series in Pakistan. Though he bowled three overs in the warm-up match against Afghanistan last Sunday, he was eventually ruled out of the tournament.

This is the second major blow for New Zealand. Earlier, fast bowler Ben Sears was also ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Despite the tough conditions for fast bowlers in the subcontinent, New Zealand's pace attack is now quite inexperienced. Among the players in the squad, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith have less than 15 ODI matches under their belt. Only experienced pacer Matt Henry will now shoulder the responsibility.

Kyle Jamieson, who has recently recovered from injury, has also been added to the squad. After being out for 10 months, Jamieson made an impressive comeback in the Super Smash T20 tournament, taking 14 wickets in 12 innings. His economy rate was 5.95, which is quite good given the conditions. After the Champions Trophy, Jamieson will play for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.

New Zealand is one of the favorites for the Champions Trophy. They recently won the final of the tri-series at the same venue. In Group A, they will face Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. Their first match will be against Pakistan on February 21 in Karachi. After that, they will play Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24, and India in Dubai on March 2. To reach the semifinals, New Zealand must finish in the top two.