Santner-led New Zealand announce 15-member ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 squad

New Zealand Cricket has officially announced their squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with Mitchell Santner appointed as the captain. The squad also features some surprises, including young pacer Ben Sears, who is awaiting his ODI debut.

January 12 marked the final day for teams to submit their squads for the tournament, and the Black Caps revealed their lineup on the same day. New Zealand's head coach, Gary Stead, stated in his squad announcement, "We are fortunate to have a group of talented young cricketers. The team selection was challenging, but we have put together the best possible squad to achieve the desired results in the conditions of Pakistan and Dubai."

The squad is a mix of experience and youth, with Kane Williamson's inclusion, while Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in an ICC mega event for the first time. However, star pacer Trent Boult is not part of the squad.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will play in a Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan, facing the host nation and South Africa. However, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will miss the Tri-Nation Series, with Jacob Duffy included as a standby player. The Tri-Nation Series will take place on February 8 and 10, with the final scheduled for February 14.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will commence on February 19 in Karachi, Pakistan. New Zealand's group consists of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with their matches scheduled for February 19, 24, and March 2.

New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

New Zealand's Group Stage Fixtures:

19 February - Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi

24 February - Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi

2 March - India vs New Zealand, Dubai