Reports: New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson's Champions Trophy 2025 participation in jeopardy

Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand have dealt a huge blow as their pacer Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the event due to an injury. The right-arm pacer has reportedly suffered a hamstring injury during the UAE’s ILT20 Qualifier 1 match between Desert Vipers (DV) and Dubai Capitals (DC). It is worth noting that he is also the captain of the Vipers and the team has reached the finals to face Capitals, on Sunday, February 9. 

Ferguson pulled up his hamstring in the mid-spell during the game and had to abort his over. He was later replaced by former Pakistan pacer, Mohammad Amir to bowl the final delivery of his abandoned spell. Notably, the scans revealed a minor hamstring tear and New Zealand head coach Gary Stead revealed that the team was awaiting a detailed medical assessment to take any further calls.

“We’ve received the scan images and are consulting our specialists to understand the recovery timeline. A decision on his participation in the upcoming tours will follow,” Stead was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Pakistan and New Zealand will play Champions Trophy opener

After contracting injury, Lockie Ferguson gave Eliminator against Sharjah Warriorz a miss as Sam Curran stepped in as captain of the side. Notably, New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the tournament opener on February 19, and their key all-rounder’s unavailability will haunt the team with the mega event just 10 days away. 

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Before the Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand will indulge in the Tri-Nations series with Pakistan and South Africa as other teams. The same will commence with the first ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Saturday, February 8. However, Ferguson was not named in the squad and was expected to join the team ahead of the ICC event.