ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Kane Williamson & Co. in shock as New Zealand star gets ruled out of CT

In a recent development, New Zealand have been dealt a blow and forced to make a last-minute change ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a like-for-like replacement for the tournament.

Ben Sears sustained a hamstring injury during training in Karachi on Wednesday. Scans revealed a minor tear, which requires a two-week recovery period. Sears would only be available for the team's final group-stage match against India, leading to his exclusion from the squad for the ICC tournament.

Jacob Duffy Replaces Injured Ben Sears in Champions Trophy Squad

Ben Sears featured in both games against Pakistan and South Africa during the ongoing tri-series. The fast bowler failed to take any wickets in either match. However, New Zealand still managed to reach the tri-series final. The 27-year-old has only played two ODIs, with his debut match coming against Pakistan.

Jacob Duffy, who is already with the squad for the tri-series in Pakistan, will replace Sears in the Champions Trophy squad. Duffy has played 10 ODIs, taking 18 wickets with an economy rate of 6.25. The 30-year-old bowler last played for New Zealand in January, where he took two wickets against Sri Lanka.

We’re All Really Feeling For Ben Sears - New Zealand Head Coach

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead revealed the decision to rule out Ben Sears from the Champions Trophy. Stead highlighted how difficult it was for Sears to miss a major event, especially since it would have been his first ICC tournament.

"We’re all really feeling for Ben. 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," Stead was quoted as saying by nzc.nz.

"The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and 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," he added.

Jacob Showed With His Performances In The Recent Home Series - Gary Stead

Gary Stead stated Jacob Duffy is capable of performing well in his first ICC event. He highlighted that Duffy performed well in the recent Sri Lanka series.

"Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level," Stead said.

"He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series so he’s fully acclimatized and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go. He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him," he added.

New Zealand are placed in a tough group with Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan for the eight-team tournament. They will start their Champions Trophy campaign against hosts Pakistan in Karachi on February 19.

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