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.
