New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled their 15-member squad for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as well as the tri-series in Pakistan, which also features South Africa.

The squad sees a blend of experience and new talent, with five pacers in total, underscoring New Zealand’s intent to dominate with fast bowling. Sears is joined by Will O'Rourke, Nathan Smith, and veteran pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.

The squad also includes Jacob Duffy as a reserve player, adding depth to their pace attack should Ferguson face any availability issues due to franchise cricket commitments.

Notable absentees

While New Zealand have assembled a formidable squad, there are notable absentees. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and all-rounder James Neesham have not been selected for the Champions Trophy or the tri-series, despite their experience in previous ICC tournaments.

Additionally, pacer Kyle Jamieson, who has been recovering from an injury, is still awaiting his return to the national team, although he has been active in domestic cricket.

The squad breakdown:

• Mitchell Santner (captain) – Leading the side in his first major ICC tournament as the new white-ball skipper, Santner will look to replicate his successful leadership in the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka.
• Michael Bracewell – A key all-rounder with experience in all formats.
• Mark Chapman – A versatile player who can contribute with both bat and ball.
• Devon Conway – One of New Zealand’s top batsmen, known for his consistency.
• Lockie Ferguson – A fast bowler with immense experience and a pivotal figure in New Zealand’s pace attack.
• Matt Henry – Set to lead the pace attack alongside Ferguson.
• Tom Latham – A crucial wicketkeeper-batsman.
• Daryl Mitchell – Another all-rounder who adds balance to the squad.
• Will O’Rourke – A promising pacer who will provide depth to the bowling unit.
• Glenn Phillips – A key middle-order batsman with a dynamic approach.
• Rachin Ravindra – A young all-rounder with a bright future.
• Ben Sears – The untested pacer, yet to debut in ODIs but showing promise.
• Nathan Smith – A fast-bowling all-rounder with limited experience but significant potential.
• Kane Williamson – The stalwart of New Zealand cricket and a key figure in their batting lineup.
• Will Young – A consistent top-order batsman.

Tri-series in Pakistan

Before the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will participate in a tri-series in Pakistan, where they will face off against the hosts and South Africa. The series will kick off on February 8, with New Zealand playing Pakistan in the opening match.

They will then face South Africa on February 10, with the final scheduled for February 14, depending on qualification.

New Zealand's Champions Trophy Group Stage fixtures

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will start with a high-stakes encounter between New Zealand and Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi. This match will be crucial as New Zealand look to secure an early win against the tournament hosts.

The squad’s next two matches will be against Bangladesh on February 24 in Rawalpindi, followed by a highly anticipated clash with India on March 2 in Dubai. New Zealand will be looking to build momentum in this tough group, with the defending champions Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh all vying for the top spots.

This Champions Trophy will be the first major ICC tournament led by Mitchell Santner, who has impressed with his leadership and performance in the recent ODI and T20I series at home against Sri Lanka. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen will be pivotal as New Zealand aim for glory in one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments.