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New Zealand Pacer Ben Sears Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Follow UsThe pacer, who made his debut recently in the tri-series, has been replaced by Jacob Duffy
New Zealand pacer Ben Sears was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on February 14 (Friday). Sears felt some pain on his left hamstring and the scans showed a tear, which would need at least two weeks of rehabilitation.
Sears made his ODI debut in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) tri-series featuring Pakistan and South Africa.
Black Caps called on Jacob Duffy to replace him in the squad. Duffy is already with the team as he was part of the tri-series featuring Pakistan and South Africa. He has picked up 18 wickets in 10 ODIs since making his debut in 2022.
The ICC technical committee, which consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Interim Head of Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director – International Cricket Operations), and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative), has approved this change.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears missing out. “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.
“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.
“Ben is a player with huge potential, and given the short rehabilitation timeframe, we’re sure he’ll be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.
Stead added that Duffy is a strong replacement for Sears.
"Jacob showed 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 acclimatised, 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.”
New Zealand get their Champions Trophy campaign underway against Pakistan on February 19 (Wednesday) in Karachi.
