The New Zealand cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan and the UAE. The highly anticipated tournament marks the Champions Trophy’s return to the international calendar after an eight-year hiatus.
The announcement took place at a special event at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland, with excitement centering on the inclusion of pace trio Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith, who are set to make their debuts in a senior ICC event.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Sears, a traveling reserve for last year’s ICC T20 World Cup, returns to the international fold following a knee injury that kept him out of action for much of the past season. The 26-year-old made his comeback during the Wellington Firebirds’ Super Smash match last Thursday. Meanwhile, O’Rourke and Smith have seen their stock rise in recent seasons, becoming key contributors for the Blackcaps across formats.
The squad features a mix of youth and experience, led by newly appointed white-ball captain Mitchell Santner. Santner takes the reins for his first major ICC event as skipper, supported by senior players Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. Latham, who will also don the wicketkeeping gloves, and Williamson, the team’s most experienced batter, bring valuable expertise, having featured in the 2013 and 2017 editions of the tournament.
The pace attack is bolstered by veterans Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, with Jacob Duffy named as a standby player should Ferguson face availability issues due to ILT20 play-offs. Santner leads the spin department, supported by all-rounders Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell. Devon Conway and Will Young add stability at the top of the order, while Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman provide depth and power to the middle order.
New Zealand squad:
- Mitchell Santner (capt), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke
The Champions Trophy holds special significance for New Zealand, as the team famously won the inaugural edition – then known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy – by defeating India in a memorable final in Nairobi in 2000.
The Blackcaps, who have reached at least the semi-finals in four of their last five ICC events, are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Only the top two teams will progress to the semi-finals.
Head coach Gary Stead congratulated the players, particularly the three newcomers, and acknowledged the tournament’s unique challenges.
“ICC tournaments represent the pinnacle of our game, and it’s a huge honor to be selected,” said Stead. “The Champions Trophy’s format requires teams to hit the ground running, and our preparations during the Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa will be crucial.”
The team departs for Pakistan on February 3 to begin its campaign, with the opening match scheduled against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19. The Blackcaps’ support staff includes batting coach Luke Ronchi, bowling coach Jacob Oram, and specialist spin coach Rangana Herath, who brings valuable subcontinental experience.
