New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy Announced; Williamson Returns as Santner Set to Lead!

New Zealand announced a balanced 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring fresh pacers Sears, O'Rourke, and Smith. Mitchell Santner leads, supported by seasoned players like Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.

ICC Champions Trophy: As the last date of Squad submission for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is approaching, New Zealand have announced a formidable 15-men squad for the ICC event. Kane Williamson's return and the Captain-appointment of Santner are the main highlights of the announcement. 

This much-anticipated tournament marks the Champions Trophy’s return to the cricketing calendar after an eight-year hiatus. This time, the event is set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. 

New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy Announced

The squad was announced at an event held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland. Excitement centered on the inclusion of three promising fast bowlers: Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke, and Nathan Smith. This will be the first ICC senior event for all three players, adding a fresh dimension to the Blackcaps’ campaign.

Ben Sears, a 26-year-old pacer, has been selected despite being uncapped in ODIs. Sears has represented New Zealand in Tests and T20Is, but a knee injury kept him sidelined for much of the year. He recently returned to competitive cricket in the Super Smash.

Will O’Rourke, another promising fast bowler, has impressed in the early stages of his international career, particularly in Tests. Nathan Smith, known for his lower-order power-hitting and seam bowling, rounds out the trio of newcomers. Head coach Gary Stead lauded their inclusion, emphasizing the depth and talent they bring to the squad.

The squad also features a balance of youth and experience. Mitchell Santner will lead the team in his first ICC tournament as captain. Santner is supported by senior players Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and Devon Conway. 

Williamson and Conway, however, face tight scheduling challenges due to their commitments in the SA20 league. While Latham will take on wicketkeeping duties, Williamson’s vast experience will be crucial in anchoring the batting lineup.

New Zealand’s bowling unit looks formidable, with seasoned pacers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson providing stability. Ferguson, however, will miss the preparatory tri-series in Pakistan due to his participation in the ILT20 playoffs. Jacob Duffy has been named as a reserve player in case Ferguson’s availability becomes an issue. The spin department is equally well-stocked, featuring Santner alongside all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

New Zealand Squad

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

The Blackcaps famously defeated India in Nairobi in 2000 to win the inaugural Champions Trophy, then called the ICC KnockOut Trophy. More recently, they have consistently performed in global events, reaching the semi-finals in four of their last five ICC tournaments.

New Zealand is grouped in Group A alongside hosts Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Their campaign begins with the tournament opener against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19. Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, making every game crucial. 

The Blackcaps’ support staff includes batting coach Luke Ronchi, bowling coach Jacob Oram, and spin coach Rangana Herath, who brings valuable subcontinental expertise. As the countdown to February begins, the team looks to build momentum and deliver a performance worthy of their reputation as one of the world’s most consistent cricketing nations.

Tri-Series Between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa

The road to the Champions Trophy begins with a tri-series involving Pakistan and South Africa, starting on February 8. This series will serve as a vital tune-up for the team, with matches against Pakistan and South Africa on February 8 and February 10, respectively, followed by a warm-up game against Afghanistan on February 16. 

Head coach Gary Stead stressed the importance of these games, given the tournament’s compact format. “The Champions Trophy requires teams to hit the ground running, and our preparations in the tri-series will be critical,” he said.

Stead expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We’re fortunate to have a mix of players with significant international and tournament experience. It’s a great opportunity for the newcomers to showcase their skills on the global stage,” he added.

READ: ICC Cricket Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Teams, Fixtures, Full Squads, & Time Table