New Zealand’s squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has suffered another setback as fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Sears, who had been part of the squad for the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, sustained the injury during a training session in Karachi on Wednesday.
A subsequent scan confirmed a minor tear in his left hamstring, which will require at least two weeks of rehabilitation. With New Zealand’s final group match of the Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for March 2 against India, it was determined that Sears would miss the majority of the group stage. Consequently, the decision was made to officially rule him out of the competition.
Ben Sears had featured in both of New Zealand’s league-stage matches in the tri-series, but had yet to make a significant impact, finishing those two games without taking a wicket in 16 overs, conceding 104 runs. While his absence is a blow for the team, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed sympathy for the bowler, particularly given it would have been his first major ICC tournament.
“We’re all really feeling for Ben,” Stead said. “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.”
With Ben Sears unavailable, Stead confirmed that Jacob Duffy, who is already part of New Zealand’s tri-series squad, will replace him in the Champions Trophy team. Duffy, who has played ten ODIs and taken 18 wickets, is considered more than capable of stepping up to the challenge. In New Zealand’s recent home series against Sri Lanka, Duffy impressed with two four-wicket hauls, cementing his reputation as a reliable international bowler.
For Duffy, the Champions Trophy will also mark his first senior ICC event, which adds an extra layer of excitement and responsibility. With the tournament’s compressed format, Duffy’s experience and fitness will be crucial as New Zealand looks to make a strong start in the competition. New Zealand are already grappling with injuries to Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson but are making do as the competition draws near.
New Zealand’s next two fixtures are both against Pakistan, a tri-series final and the Champions Trophy opener at the same venue. The team will be hoping that Duffy’s inclusion can help them overcome the absence of Ben Sears as they aim for a strong showing in the prestigious tournament.
