New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. The Blackcaps pacer experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during the team’s first training session in Karachi on Wednesday, and scans later confirmed a minor tear requiring at least two weeks of rehabilitation.
With the tournament’s short duration, Sears would likely have been available only for New Zealand’s final Group A match against India in Dubai. Given the circumstances, the team management has decided to replace him with Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy, who is already in Pakistan as part of the squad for the ongoing ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa.
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New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears’ injury, particularly as this was set to be his first major ICC event. “We’re all really feeling for Ben,” Stead said. “It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it’s especially tough in Ben’s case given it would have been his first major ICC event.”
Stead emphasised that the decision to bring in Duffy was based on the need for a fully fit player. “The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go.”

Despite the setback, Stead remains optimistic about Sears’ return to cricket. “Ben is a player with huge potential, and given the short rehabilitation timeframe, we’re sure he’ll be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.”
Duffy, who impressed in the recent home series against Sri Lanka, now joins the squad as Sears’ replacement. Stead praised the 29-year-old’s capabilities. “Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at international level. He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series, so he’s fully acclimatised, and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions. He’s fit and ready to go.”
With this being Duffy’s first senior ICC event, Stead noted that it would be an exciting opportunity for the bowler. “He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him.”
The Blackcaps begin their Champions Trophy campaign in the tournament opener against hosts Pakistan on Wednesday.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
New Zealand’s Group Stage Fixtures: