Image: Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a foot injury / © CricToday
For the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out due to a foot injury sustained during a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi. After experiencing pain in his right foot, an initial medical assessment revealed that Ferguson would not be fit for the entire tournament. As a result, the decision was made to send him home for rehabilitation.
Kyle Jamieson has been called up as Ferguson’s replacement. Jamieson, who recently returned to domestic cricket after a 10-month recovery from a stress fracture in his back, played a vital role in the Canterbury Kings’ Dream11 Super Smash campaign. He finished as the joint second-leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, including remarkable figures of 4-12 against the Central Stags. His return to form in the recent Ford Trophy matches also boosted his selection.
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, expressed disappointment over Ferguson’s injury, recognizing his key role in the team, especially in major tournaments. He also praised Jamieson for his pace and bounce, qualities that suit the conditions in Pakistan. The BLACKCAPS will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Pakistan on February 20 in Karachi, with Jamieson ready to step in if needed.