Champions Trophy: Jacob Duffy replaces injured Sears in NZ squad
What's the story
Jacob Duffy has been officially approved by the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 as a replacement for Ben Sears in the New Zealand squad.
Notably, Sears has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
The committee's approval is necessary for any player substitution to be officially recognized within the team lineup.
Here's more.
Player profiles
Duffy's cricket career and Sears's unfortunate exit
Duffy, who has played 10 ODIs, was selected to replace Sears, who had to withdraw due to an unfortunate hamstring injury.
The latter's injury has ruled him out of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.
This highlights the unpredictability of sports injuries and their effect on team selections.
Committee details
The Event Technical Committee's role and composition
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, which approves player replacements, consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager - Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Interim Head of Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director - International Cricket Operations), and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).
Their decision has now opened the doors for Duffy to be a part of the New Zealand squad in this prestigious tournament.
Stats
A look at Duffy's ODI and List A numbers
As mentioned, Duffy has featured in 10 ODIs for the Black Caps.
In these 10 ODIs, he has bagged 18 scalps at an average of 25.94 while boasting an economy rate of 6.25.
Additionally, he also owns the best figures of 3/41, (vs Sri Lanka).
Meanwhile, in 95 List A matches he has managed 161 wickets at an average of 25.36. He also owns four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls.
His best innings figures are worth 6/35.
Squad
New Zealand's revamped squad for the tournament
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.