New Zealand have announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in a hybrid format co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
The squad showcases a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, but the absence of four notable players from the 2023 ODI World Cup roster has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
New Zealand’s performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup
In the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, the Blackcaps delivered an impressive performance, reaching the semifinals before falling short against hosts India. Despite their valiant efforts, New Zealand was defeated by 70 runs in a high-stakes encounter. Several players who were key contributors during the tournament are now conspicuously missing from the Champions Trophy squad.
4 players excluded from New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad after the 2023 World Cup triumph
1. Trent Boult
Trent Boult, a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack, has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad. His absence is not a selection decision but a result of his retirement from ODI cricket following New Zealand’s semifinal loss in 2023. Boult’s impact on the tournament was significant, claiming 14 wickets in 10 matches and playing a pivotal role in guiding the Blackcaps to the knockout stage. His retirement marks the conclusion of a stellar ODI career, leaving an indelible legacy.
Also READ: 3 Australian players to miss out on the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023
2. Jimmy Neesham
All-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who had a limited role in the 2023 World Cup, has also been left out. Neesham featured in just three matches, scoring 58 runs and taking two wickets. His performance, coupled with inconsistent form, likely contributed to his exclusion. His last appearance came against South Africa in November 2023, and he has struggled to regain his peak form since.
3. Ish Sodhi
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, another player from the 2023 World Cup squad, is missing from the Champions Trophy lineup. Sodhi played only one match in the World Cup and failed to claim any wickets. His last international outing was against Sri Lanka in November 2024. With limited opportunities and an underwhelming performance, Sodhi’s exclusion signals New Zealand’s pivot toward other spinning options.
4.Tim Southee
Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s most seasoned bowlers, has also stepped away from the ODI format. Like Boult, Southee retired from ODI after the 2023 World Cup semifinal defeat. In the tournament, he took seven wickets in four matches, underscoring his value to the team. Southee’s departure marks the end of an illustrious career, leaving a legacy of leadership and consistency.
New Faces in the squad: Fresh talent on the rise
While the exclusion of four established players marks a significant change, New Zealand’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy also includes some exciting new talent. Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith are all set to make their ICC tournament debuts. These young pacers have impressed in domestic cricket and will add fresh energy to New Zealand’s bowling attack. Sears, in particular, is making a return to the fold after recovering from a knee injury. His resilience and potential have earned him a spot in the squad, and he is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team.
O’Rourke and Smith, both rising stars in New Zealand’s domestic scene, will strengthen the pace attack alongside established names. With the support of all-rounder Michael Bracewell, these new faces are set to play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s bid for success in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
