Lockie Ferguson doubtful for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand cricket team have been dealt with a major setback as fast bowling all-rounder Lockie Ferguson has incurred an injury and is racing against time to regain complete fitness. With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 now less 15 days away from start, Ferguson has sustained a hamstring injury while featuring in the International League T20 (ILT20), putting his availability for the upcoming tri-nation series, involving Pakistan and South Africa, as well as Champions Trophy 2025 in doubt.

Ferguson, who is leading Desert Vipers in the T20 tournament in the UAE, was forced to leave the field midway through his spell during the Qualifier 1 against Dubai Capitals. Unable to complete his four-over spell in the crucial match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, February 5, he was replaced by Mohammad Amir and further went on to miss the Qualifier 2.

Lockie Ferguson doubtful for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 due to hamstring injury

As confirmed by New Zealand head coach Gary Stead, Ferguson underwent scans the following day, but the Kiwis are still waiting for the reports. “Lockie had a scan yesterday [Thursday] in the UAE. We've got the images here and [we are] waiting for our radiologist to give us a report on the extent of it,” he said.

“Small hamstring injury, by the look of it, so we're just waiting on a timeline of advice around that before we make a decision on whether Lockie travels here [Pakistan] or whether we do have to replace him for the Champions Trophy,” Stead further added while speaking on the eve of the tri-series opener.

Speaking of the Black Caps campaign in Champions Trophy 2025, they are set to feature in the tournament opener on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Placed in Group A, alongside hosts Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, the Mitchell Santner-led side will then play Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24, followed by a match against India, scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 2.

New Zealand’s squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (capt), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke