4 New Zealand players to miss 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in 2023 ODI World Cup
New Zealand announced a 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in a hybrid format with the co-hosts Pakistan and United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, 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 put in an impressive performance, reaching the semi-finals before losing to the hosts India. Despite their valiant efforts, New Zealand were beaten 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 2025 Champions Trophy line-up after 2023 World Cup triumph
1. Trent Boult
Trent Boult, the cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack, has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad. His absence was not a selection decision, but a result of his retirement from ODI cricket after the semi-final defeat to New Zealand 2023. Boult’s impact on the tournament was significant, taking 14 wickets in 10 matches and playing a key role in guiding the Blackcaps to the knockout stage. His retirement marks the end of a stellar ODI career, leaving an indelible legacy.
Also READ: 3 Australian players to miss 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in 2023 ODI World Cup
2. Jimmy Neesham
Versatile Jimmy Neeshamwho had a limited role at the 2023 World Cup, was also left out. Neesham featured in just three matches, scoring 58 runs and taking two wickets. His performance, along with inconsistent form, probably contributed to his exclusion. His last performance came against South Africa in November 2023 and has been struggling to regain his top form ever since.
3. Ish Sodhi
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhianother player from the 2023 World Cup squad is missing from the Champions Trophy squad. Sodhi played only one match in the World Cup and failed to take a single wicket. His last international outing was against Sri Lanka in November 2024. With limited options and an unconvincing performance, Sodhi’s exclusion signals New Zealand’s turn towards other spin options.
4. Tim Southee
Team Southeeone of New Zealand’s most experienced bowlers, has also moved away from the ODI format. Like Boult, Southee retired from ODIs after losing in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023. He took seven wickets in four games in the tournament, 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 team: Fresh talent on the rise
While the exclusion of four established players marks a significant change, New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad also includes some exciting new talent. Will O’Rourke, Ben Searsand Nathan Smith they are ready to debut in ICC tournaments. These young pacers have impressed domestic cricket and will add fresh energy to the New Zealand bowling attack. Sears, in particular, is returning to the lineup after recovering from a knee injury. His resilience and potential have earned him a place in the team, and he is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the squad.
O’Rourke and Smith, both rising stars on the New Zealand domestic scene, will bolster the pace attack alongside established names. With the support of a versatile player Michael Bracewellthese new faces should play a key role in New Zealand’s bid for Champions Trophy success in 2025.
Also READ: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra predicts 2025 Champions Trophy finalists
