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Team New Zealand announces 15-man squad 2025 ICC Champions Cup to be held in hybrid format Pakistan and United Arab Emirates From February 19th to March 9th.
The squad has a mix of experienced players and budding talent, but the absence of four notable players from the 2023 ODI World Cup roster has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts.
New Zealand’s performance at ODI World Cup 2023
The Black Caps performed well to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 but lost to the hosts India. Despite Team New Zealand’s hard work, they lost by 70 runs in a high-stakes match. Several players who made important contributions during the tournament are now noticeably absent from the Champions League squad.
4 players left out new zealand 2025 Champions Trophy line-up after winning the 2023 World Cup
1. Trent Bolt
Trent Bolt, The cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack, is yet to be included in the Champions Trophy squad. His absence is not a selection decision but a result of his retirement from ODI cricket in 2023 following New Zealand’s semi-final defeat. Boult made a huge impact on the tournament, taking 14 wickets in 10 matches and playing a key role in guiding the Blackcaps into the knockout stages. His retirement marked the end of an illustrious ODI career, leaving an indelible legacy.
return Read: 3 Australian players to miss 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in 2023 ODI World Cup
2.Jimmy Neesom
All-rounder Jimmy NeeshamA limited role in the 2023 World Cup has also been ruled out. Neesham played only three games, scoring 58 runs and taking two wickets. His performances combined with inconsistent form will likely lead to his exclusion. His last appearance was against South Africa In November 2023, he has been working hard to return to his peak form since then.
3. Ish Sodhi
leg spinner Ish SodhiAnother player from the 2023 World Cup squad is missing from the Champions Trophy squad. Sodhi played just one match in the World Cup and did not take any wickets. His last international match was against Sri Lanka November 2024. With limited opportunities and poor performances, Sodhi’s exclusion signals New Zealand will turn to other spinning options.
4. Tim Southey
Tim SoutheyOne of New Zealand’s most experienced bowlers has also dropped the ball in the ODI format. Like Bolt, Southee retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat. In the tournament, he took seven wickets in four games, highlighting his value to the team. Southey’s departure marks the end of a stellar career, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and consistency.
New faces on the team: new ones are emerging all the time
While the omission of four established players marks a significant change, New Zealand’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy also includes some exciting newcomers. Will O’Rourke, Ben Searsand Nathan Smith All are ready to make their ICC tournament debut. These young pacers have impressed in domestic cricket and will add new life to New Zealand’s bowling attack. Sears, in particular, is returning to action after recovering from a knee injury. His toughness and potential have earned him a spot in the squad and he is expected to bring new energy to the team.
O’Rourke and Smith are both rising stars in New Zealand’s domestic scene and will join the established players to bolster the pace attack. With the support of all-rounders Michael BracewellThese new faces will play a key role in New Zealand’s bid to win the 2025 Champions Trophy.
