Reports: New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson’s Champions Trophy 2025 participation in risk

Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand’s pacer, is expected to miss the Champions Trophy 2025 because of an injury, which is a major blow to the team. During the UAE’s ILT20 Qualifier 1 match between Desert Vipers (DV) and Dubai Capitals (DC), the right-arm pacer is said to have had a hamstring injury. Notably, he is also the Vipers’ captain, and the club has advanced to the finals, where they will play the Capitals on Sunday, February 9.

During the game, Lockie Ferguson had to abandon his over after pulling up his hamstring in the middle of the spell.

Later, Mohammad Amir, a former pacer for Pakistan, took his position to bowl the last delivery of his stint. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead stated that the squad was awaiting a thorough medical evaluation before taking any more calls after the scans showed a small hamstring strain.

“After receiving the scan images, we are speaking with our experts to determine how long it will take to recuperate. A decision regarding his involvement in the next tours will be made later,” Stead said.

New Zealand and Pakistan will play in the Champions Trophy opener.

Sam Curran took over as team captain after Lockie Ferguson missed Eliminator vs Sharjah Warriorz due to an injury. Notably, with the major event only ten days away, New Zealand’s vital all-rounder’s absence will haunt the team when they play Pakistan in the tournament opener on February 19.

New Zealand will participate in the Tri-Nations series alongside South Africa and Pakistan before to the Champions Trophy 2025. On Saturday, February 8, the first ODI will take place in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Ferguson was anticipated to join the team prior to the ICC event, but he was not included in the roster.