Auckland, Feb 14 (NationPress) New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been excluded from the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, commencing on February 19 in Pakistan, due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday.

According to a statement from NZC, "Sears experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during the team's initial training session in Karachi on Wednesday, and subsequent scans indicated a minor tear necessitating a minimum of two weeks for rehabilitation."

This recovery period suggests that Sears would only be available for the team's concluding Group A match against India in Dubai, prompting the decision to replace him, the statement noted.

Jacob Duffy, who is already part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa, will take Sears' place in the official Champions Trophy lineup.

As per regulations, the replacement of a player necessitates approval from the Event Technical Committee prior to the player's official addition to the squad, and the ICC has sanctioned Duffy's entry as Sears' substitute.

The ICC stated, "The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Duffy as a replacement for Sears in the New Zealand squad."

Head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment regarding Sears' situation, stating, "We are all genuinely feeling for Ben. It’s always challenging to be sidelined from a significant event at such a late stage, particularly for Ben, as this would have been his first major ICC event."

He continued, "The timeline for Ben's recovery indicated he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and given the tournament's brief nature, we decided to bring in a fully fit player. Ben has immense potential, and we are confident he will be ready for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand."

Stead praised Duffy as a solid substitute for Sears in the squad, stating, "Jacob demonstrated through his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level. He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series, so he’s fully acclimatized, possesses ample experience in these conditions, and is fit and ready to compete.

“He too will be participating in his first senior ICC event, making the upcoming weeks quite exciting for him," he added.

New Zealand will kick off their Champions Trophy journey with the tournament's opening match against the hosts, Pakistan, on February 19 in Karachi.