Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith named in New Zealand's Champions Trophy squad

The pace trio of Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith were named in New Zealand's 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played in Pakistan from February 19 onwards. This will be the players' first-ever ICC event. 

The same squad will also take part in the Pakistan tri-series ahead of the mega event, which will also feature South Africa. Mitchell Santner will lead the squad for the first time at an ICC event, which also consists of former skipper and veteran batter Kane Williamson, along with experienced wicketkeeper-batter and Test captain Tom Latham.

Santner will lead the spin bowling department that features Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips. Matt Henry will spearhead the pacers that also feature Lockie Ferguson. However, Jacob Duffy has been named in the reserves should Ferguson miss the tournament due to his ILT20 commitments.

The Blackcaps have reached the semi-finals of four of their last five ICC tournaments. They have been clubbed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and Bangladesh

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead congratulated all the players, with a special shoutout to O'Rourke, Smith and Sears. “ICC tournaments represent the pinnacle of our game and it’s a huge honour to be picked to represent your country at them,” he said.

“I’d especially like to acknowledge Ben, Nathan and Will, who will be attending their first senior ICC events, and I know they’re really excited to do so.

Although the Champions Trophy hasn’t been played for a few years, the team is well aware of the history of the tournament and the fact New Zealand were the first winners of the tournament in 2000, when it was known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy.

The team and support staff are really looking forward to representing New Zealand and our fans on the big stage and giving it our all to make them proud.”

Stead was also pleased with the talent pool and the depth of the squad. “We’re currently blessed with a lot of quality players and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions," Stead said.

 “Ultimately, we’ve gone with the squad that will offer us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.

“We’re lucky to have a large chunk of the group with significant international and tournament experience to draw upon. The tournament format is a unique one in that you have to hit the ground running which means our preparation in the pre-leading Tri Series is really important.

“It’s going to be a great occasion opening the tournament against hosts in Pakistan in Karachi and we can’t wait to get over there and get stuck in.”

New Zealand will also take on Afghanistan in a warm-up match in Karachi ahead of the eight-team event. The Blackcaps will depart for Pakistan on February 3. 

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