New Zealand Squad For Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Santner Leads Black Caps in First Major ICC Tournament

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Mitchell Santner to captain in his first major ICC tournament as New Zealand on Sunday (January 12) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to begin on February 19.

Santner was named the full time white-ball skipper of the Black Caps last year, replacing Kane Williamson, who stepped down from the role following the T20 World Cup 2024. The all-rounder is now set to continue in the role after a successful stint in the ODI & T20I series at home against Sri Lanka.

Senior stars Williamson and Tom Latham, who also has led the ODI side earlier, lend valuable experience to the side, with the latter set to take the wicketkeeping gloves for the tournament.

Santner, Williamson and Latham were all part of New Zealand's squad for the previous edition of the Champions Trophy in England and Wales in 2017. Williamson also featured at the 2013 edition in England.

With Tim Southee and Trent Boult missing, the Kiwis have handed pace trio of Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith their maiden call up for a senior ICC event. O'Rourke, Sears and Smith will form the pace attack which will be led by seasoned stars Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.

Jacob Duffy, who has been named as the reserve player, could also feature in the New Zealand Champions Trophy squad should veteran Ferguson become unavailable because of franchise cricket commitments.

Captain Santner is the frontline spin option, leading all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra all playing support, while Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Will Young make up the rest of the group. Here is a look at NZ's squad followed by schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

New Zealand Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

New Zealand's Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

New Zealand have been drawn in Group A alongside Asian sides India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Kiwis will play their group stage fixtures across three venues with two matches in Pakistan and one in UAE. Here is a look at the fixtures:

• February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
• February 24: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
• March 2: India vs New Zealand, Dubai