The 27-year-old felt discomfort in his left hamstring during the Blackcaps' first practice session in Karachi on Wednesday
14 February, 2025
PHOTO: AFP
New Zealand's fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering a hamstring injury during a training session.
The 27-year-old felt discomfort in his left hamstring during the Blackcaps' first practice session in Karachi on Wednesday. Subsequent scans confirmed a minor tear, which will require at least two weeks of rehabilitation.
Due to this recovery timeline, Sears is expected to miss most of New Zealand's Group A matches, with a possible return only in their final group match against India in Dubai. Given the short duration of the tournament, New Zealand has made the decision to officially rule Sears out and bring in a replacement.
Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy has been called up to replace Sears in the squad. Duffy, who is already part of New Zealand's team for the ongoing ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa, is well-prepared and has acclimatized to the conditions in Karachi.
Blackcaps' head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment over the injury, noting that the Champions Trophy would have marked Sears' first major ICC tournament appearance.
“We’re all really feeling for Ben,” said Stead.
“It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it’s especially tough in Ben’s case given it would have been his first major ICC event,” he added.
Stead continued, “The time frames for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage. Given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go."
Despite the setback, Stead remained optimistic about Sears' recovery, adding, “Ben is a player with huge potential, and with a short rehabilitation period, we’re confident he’ll be ready for the home series against Pakistan in New Zealand.”
As for Duffy, Stead expressed confidence in his abilities, saying, “Jacob has shown with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level. He’s been part of the squad for the ODI tri-series, so he’s fully acclimatized and is fit and ready to go.”
“This will also be Jacob’s first senior ICC event, and it’s going to be an exciting few weeks for him,” Stead added.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with New Zealand facing the defending champions and hosts, Pakistan, in the opening match. Prior to the tournament, New Zealand will play a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday.
New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
