Lockie Ferguson ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, replacement named

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering a foot injury during a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday.  

Ferguson experienced pain in his right foot after bowling, and a medical evaluation confirmed that he would not be fit for the remainder of the tournament.  

With the Champions Trophy set to start tomorrow, New Zealand made the decision to send Ferguson home for rehabilitation, given the short duration of the tournament.  

To replace Ferguson, Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will join the New Zealand squad and travel to Pakistan this evening.  

Jamieson made a strong return to domestic cricket in December after recovering from a 10-month rehabilitation for a stress fracture in his back. During the Dream11 Super Smash, he played a key role in Canterbury Kings’ Grand Final run, finishing as the joint second-leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, including remarkable figures of 4-12 against the Central Stags at Hagley Oval.  

He also featured in the Ford Trophy matches for Canterbury, including a victory over Northern Districts in Hamilton.  

New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment about Ferguson’s injury and acknowledged the significance of his absence.  

“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,” he added.  

Stead also spoke highly of Jamieson’s abilities, noting that his pace and bounce would suit the conditions in Pakistan.  

“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce, which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan,” he said.  

“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.” 

New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against the defending champions and hosts, Pakistan, in Karachi on February 19.