New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka after picking up a calf injury. The right-arm pacer sustained the injury while playing for Desert Vipers in the ILT20 league against MI Emirates in Dubai on December 21.
After being ruled out of the ILT20, Ferguson also missed the Big Bash League (BBL), where he was set to represent Sydney Thunder. This has raised serious concerns over whether he will be fit in time for the T20 World Cup, which begins in February.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland admitted that the team will miss Ferguson badly.
“We’re gutted that Lockie won’t be with us this year. Not only does he bowl 150kph with an incredible amount of experience in all conditions, but he is genuinely one of the best humans in cricket and added so much to our squad culturally too,” Copeland said in a statement.
He added, “We wish Lockie all the best in the recovery ahead of the World Cup and hope to one day see him back playing for the Thunder Nation.”
After the BBL, Ferguson was expected to join New Zealand for a five-match T20I series against India. However, he has not played for New Zealand since November 2024 and is currently on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket. Last year, he also missed the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury sustained during the previous edition of the ILT20.
New Zealand are already without Will O’Rourke for the World Cup, which adds further concern to their bowling attack. However, Adam Milne, Kyle Jamieson, and Matt Fisher are returning to action ahead of the tournament.
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