New Zealand has finalized its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The team, led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner, is on the expected path, barring the exclusion of a key pace bowler who has impressed in recent outings.
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Ben Sears included while Jacob Duffy remains in reserve
The biggest surprise on the team was that Ben Sears edged out Jacob Duffy on the final 15-member team. Sears has been named in the squad after impressing the selectors with a strong performance in a recent Super Smash T20 game.
Sears had been sidelined for much of the season due to a knee injury, but made a successful return last week. This will be his first appearance in an ICC tournament, having previously served as a roving reserve for the T20 World Cup in 2024.
He joins fellow sailors Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, who have been regular contributors across all formats for the Black Caps this season. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson bring experience to the pace attack.
Sears’ inclusion sees Jacob Duffy miss out, despite his recent success in white-ball matches against Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old has 18 wickets in 10 ODIs but was left out of the final ODI of the Sri Lanka series. Duffy remains as a reserve pacer in case Ferguson is unavailable due to commitments in the T20 franchise leagues.
The team has a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Spin bowling will be a key component of New Zealand’s strategy, with Santner leading the attack. He will be supported by Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and a part-time option in Rachin Ravindra. The team has also roped in Sri Lankan legend Rangana Herath as a specialist spin coach for the tour.
The batting line-up includes familiar faces such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Tom Latham. An important selection decision will be whether Will Young or Conway opens the batting alongside Ravindra, given Young’s strong recent form.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead emphasized the difficulty of finalizing the team, given the amount of talent available.
“We are fortunate to have several quality players, which made selection a challenge. This team gives us the best opportunity to succeed in the conditions we expect in Pakistan and the UAE,” Stead said.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring the top eight ODI teams, returns after an eight-year hiatus. New Zealand last won the tournament, then called the ICC Knockout Trophy, in 2000.
The Black Caps will begin their campaign on February 19 against co-hosts Pakistan in Karachi. They will also face Bangladesh and India in their group stage matches. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals.
Ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Team New Zealand will take part in a tri-series in Pakistan with the hosts and South Africa, starting on February 8.
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New Zealand squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Key dates
Calendar of the three series
February 8: New Zealand vs. Pakistan, Lahore February 10: New Zealand vs. South Africa, Lahore February 14: Final, Karachi (if qualified)
New Zealand Champions Trophy 2023 schedule
February 19: New Zealand vs. Pakistan, Karachi February 24: New Zealand vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi March 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai Semifinals: March 4-5 (if qualified) Final: March 9 (if qualified)
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New Zealand will leave for Pakistan on February 3, with Mitchell Santner leading the team in their first ICC tournament.