New Zealand has been dealt a fresh injury concern as star pacer Lockie Ferguson suffered a hamstring injury during the ILT20 2025 Qualifier 1 clash in the UAE. Lockie Ferguson’s recent injury raises doubts about his availability for the tri-series in Pakistan and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Ferguson, leading the Desert Vipers in the ILT20 Qualifier 1 against the Dubai Capitals, suffered a hamstring injury in the final over of the match. He left the field with just one ball remaining in his spell and the innings. Mohammad Amir stepped in to deliver the last ball, with the Vipers needing to defend one run.
Sikandar Raza hit a boundary off the last ball to secure the Capitals’ spot in the final. At the post-match presentation, Ferguson shrugged off any injury concerns and called it “just a little hamstring issue.” However, further scans the following day revealed that the injury was more serious than initially thought.
Lockie Ferguson Had a Scan on Thursday in the UAE – Gary Stead
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is closely monitoring Lockie Ferguson’s injury while awaiting the radiologist’s report. Stead said the injury appears to be a minor hamstring issue, but the final decision on Ferguson’s participation will be made once the medical team provides more clarity.
“Lockie had a scan yesterday [Thursday] in the UAE. We’ve got the images here and [we are] waiting for our radiologist to give us a report on the extent of it,” Stead said on the eve of tri-series opener.
“Small hamstring injury, by the look of it, so we’re just waiting on a timeline of advice around that before we make a decision on whether Lockie travels here [Pakistan] or whether we do have to replace him for the Champions Trophy,” he added.
It Will Depend on How People Shape Up – Gary Stead
Gary Stead said that the team management wants to manage workloads during the upcoming tri-series. He confirmed that the team would rotate the seamers after the first game. Stead revealed that the team’s primary focus is staying fresh and fully prepared for the Champions Trophy.
“It will depend on how people shape up, especially the bowlers, after this first game and what their loads are like and then what the conditions are like as well,” Stead said.
“It’s not quite as hot as you think it would be in Asia. It still gets pretty cold here in the evenings, but if you bowl in the heat of the day, it might take more out of the bowlers. So, we will just manage that and be smart around it, understanding that the big tournament is the Champions Trophy.”
Lockie Ferguson’s Injury Could Disrupt New Zealand’s Team Combination
Lockie Ferguson has played a crucial role as a white-ball bowler for the BlackCaps, considering his experience in the subcontinent. To make matters worse, Ben Sears is still recovering from knee surgery. New Zealand may need to name a replacement if Ferguson doesn’t recover in time for the event.
Jacob Duffy was included as a backup for the tri-series. With less than two weeks before their opening match against Pakistan, the team has limited time to finalize their squad. Ferguson hasn’t played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup, but his injury could disrupt his team’s combination for the tournament.
Also read: Saim Ayub’s future in darkness, confirms PCB
