Jan 12 (V7N) — New Zealand has once again caught the cricket world’s attention with an innovative approach to announcing their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. For the first time, Mitchell Santner will lead the Kiwis on the big stage, and the squad features several fresh faces and exciting surprises.

The team includes young pacer Ben Sears, who has yet to make his ODI debut, along with fellow pacer Will O'Rourke and all-rounder Nathan Smith, both relatively inexperienced at the international level. Veteran batsman and former captain Kane Williamson is included in the squad, bolstering the batting lineup alongside the likes of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips.

The spin department will be spearheaded by captain Mitchell Santner, with support from Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, and Will Young. The pace attack will be led by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, with the latter pair expected to play key roles throughout the tournament.

New Zealand's coach, Gary Steed, praised the depth of talent in the squad, stating, "We have some great players now, which makes the team selection discussions challenging. But ultimately, we have considered the squad that has the best potential to do well in Pakistan and the UAE."

New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

  • Mitchell Santner (captain)
  • 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

New Zealand will also play a tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy, with the same squad fielded for those matches.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with the final match scheduled for March 9. New Zealand will compete in Group 'A' alongside Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

END/RH/AJ