Champions Trophy 2025: Kyle Jamieson approved as replacement for Lockie Ferguson in New Zealand squad

New Zealand will be missing the services of experienced speedster Lockie Ferguson in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The 33-year-old has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury to his right foot.

The Event Technical Committee of the Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Kyle Jamieson as a replacement for Ferguson in the New Zealand squad. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager – Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director – International Cricket Operations), Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).

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Ferguson was initially included in the 15-member squad for the eight-team tournament. He did not take part in the tri-nation series involving Pakistan and South Africa as he was recuperating from the injury. However, it seems that the veteran has lost the race against time as he will have to watch his team from the sidelines.

"We’re really disappointed for Lockie. Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by The New Zealand Herald.

Jamieson returned to domestic cricket for the Canterbury Kings in the Dream11 Super Smash in December, following a 10-month rehabilitation process for a stress fracture in his back. He played an important role as the Kings reached the Grand Final, finishing as the competition’s joint-second leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, including figures of 4/12 against the Central Stags at Hagley Oval.

Jamieson made his last appearance for New Zealand in February 2024 in a Test match against South Africa at the Bay Oval.

New Zealand begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, February 19, when they take on Pakistan in Karachi.