New Zealand’s pace spearhead, Lockie Ferguson, faces a race against time to be fit for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy after sustaining a hamstring injury during the ILT20 in the UAE. With just hours to go before the tri-series in Pakistan—New Zealand’s final preparation before the marquee event—Ferguson’s fitness remains a major concern for the Black Caps.
The right-arm quick, who was leading Desert Vipers in the tournament, pulled up with a hamstring issue in the first qualifier against Dubai Capitals on Wednesday. Post-match, Ferguson confirmed the setback, saying, “Just a little hamstring issue, unfortunate. Tough night; wish I could’ve bowled the last ball.”
The injury ruled him out of the eliminator against Tim Southee’s Sharjah Warriors on Friday, with Sam Curran taking over the captaincy for the Vipers. New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, confirmed the news, revealing that the 32-year-old had undergone a scan in the UAE on Thursday, with the team still awaiting a final assessment before deciding on his participation in Pakistan.
Lockie Ferguson’s absence would be a significant blow to New Zealand’s chances at the Champions Trophy, as he remains the most experienced fast bowler in the squad. Jacob Duffy, who has already been placed on standby, is expected to get the nod if Ferguson fails to recover in time. While New Zealand are keen to rotate their pacers during the upcoming tri-series, Ferguson’s unavailability could disrupt their plans ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi.
In some respite for the Black Caps, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have now joined the squad in Lahore, fresh off their franchise stints in the SA20. Their presence will be crucial for New Zealand as they take on Pakistan and South Africa in the tri-series starting today before shifting focus to the Champions Trophy.
While all eight Champions Trophy teams have finalized their squads, changes can still be made until February 12. Whether Lockie Ferguson makes the trip to Pakistan or is ruled out of the Champions Trophy remains to be seen—but for now, New Zealand’s pace attack faces an anxious wait ahead of their biggest tournament of the year.