New Zealand cricket confirmed on Tuesday that pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE, with a foot injury. 30 year old right-arm quick Kyle Jamieson will replace Ferguson in the squad and will depart for Pakistan this evening. According to the statement put out by New Zealand cricket, Ferguson felt some pain in his right foot after bowling a spell in the informal warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday and an initial medical assessment indicated he would not be fit enough to take part in the entire tournament. Ferguson has not played any ODIs for New Zealand since the 2023 ODI World Cup. he was included in the Champions Trophy squad but does not have a New Zealand central contract. NZ head coach Stead says Jamieson's skillset ideal to replace Ferguson Kiwis head coach Gary Stead said, “We’re really disappointed for Lockie. He is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon.” Talking about Ferguson's replacement, Stead said, “Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan.” “He’s shown since returning in the Dream11 Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event. “We’ve been pleased with the progress he’s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament.” Jamieson one of the tallest bowlers in world cricket At 6'8, Kyle Jamieson is among the tallest players to have ever played the game. He uses his height well to generate bounce off the pitch and is good with the new ball. He will replace the express pace of Ferguson who is known more as a middle and death overs enforcer. At 30, Jamieson has picked up 80 test wickets for New Zealand in 19 games. He has 14 ODI wickets in 13 games and 10 T20 wickets in 13 games. New Zealand to play Pakistan in opening fixture of CT2025 The Champions Trophy will kick off in Pakistan with the hosts set to play New Zealand in Karachi. The Kiwis are led by Mitchell Santner and are hoping to win their second ICC title after the World Test Championship in 2021.Original Article