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New Zealand Take A Hit! Ben Sears Out Of Champions Trophy, Jacob Duffy Called In

Soumyajit Dutta

Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy [Source: @ICC/X.com]Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy [Source: @ICC/X.com]

New Zealand’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 suffered a setback as fast bowler Ben Sears was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the team’s first training session in Karachi, with scans confirming a minor tear in his left hamstring. 

The rehabilitation timeline of at least two weeks means Sears would likely miss the majority of the group stage, prompting the Kiwis to make a last-minute change and replace him with Otago Volts seamer Jacob Duffy, who is already with the squad for the ongoing ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan.

Ben Sears' Injury Timeline

Sears, who has been a rising star in New Zealand’s pace-bowling ranks, felt discomfort in his hamstring during Wednesday’s training session. The injury marks a cruel twist for the speedster, who was set to make his debut in a senior ICC event. 

Sears earned his first ODI cap in the Pakistan series and was unsuccessful in picking up his maiden ODI wicket. Though he was economical in the two matches he played, he couldn't make much impact with the ball.

The BlackCaps head coach Gary Stead expressed sympathy for Ben Sears, calling the setback 'bitterly disappointing.' “It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, especially for Ben, who was set for his first ICC tournament,” Stead said. 

Jacob Duffy's Stats For New Zealand

Meanwhile, Duffy, 30, has been part of New Zealand’s white-ball setups in recent years and impressed during the home series against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Picking up 18 wickets in 10 ODI matches, Duffy bowls at an economy rate of 6.25. His best bowling figures stand at 3/41, with an impressive bowling average of 25.94.

Nevertheless, New Zealand begins their campaign on February 19 against hosts Pakistan in Karachi, followed by a clash against Bangladesh on February 24. 

New Zealand's Updated Champions Trophy 2025 Squad 

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (WK), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, (W) Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy