With the T20 World Cup in India approaching, New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has confirmed he has no plans to retire after the tournament and is eager to represent South Africa in next year’s ODI World Cup.
Now 34, and having not played for the Black Caps since 2025 due to injury, Ferguson is at a similar career stage as Trent Boult, who announced his retirement from T20 internationals at the same age. Like many players who have defined a successful era in New Zealand cricket, Ferguson is nearing the end of his international career, with more matches behind him than ahead.
Known for his ability to bowl at speeds close to 150km/h, Ferguson remains an invaluable asset for New Zealand. In 43 T20 internationals, he has taken 64 wickets at an average of 17. However, the intense pace has taken a toll on him physically over the decade since his international debut.
With less than a month before New Zealand’s first T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan in India, Ferguson is determined to continue playing.
“I love playing for New Zealand, I’m very vocal about that. It’s such a great group – what we’re building now is fantastic. I still feel fit, I still feel like I’m contributing. If there’s ever a day and I’m not contributing to a win, or I don’t think I’m deserving of playing, I’ll put my boots on the wall,” Lockie Ferguson was quoted as saying to reporters ahead of his travel to India.
“At this stage, I still think I’m one of the best. I’m certainly ready to perform at a World Cup and looking forward to it,” he added.
Ferguson will be in action in India, where the Kiwis will prepare for the World Cup with five T20 matches against India. He confirmed he is on schedule for the tournament and has been bowling at full intensity in practice.
And ODIs Future?
Looking ahead to the next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Ferguson, who has taken 99 wickets in 65 matches since his debut in 2016, remains enthusiastic.
“I love 50-over cricket. It’s where I made my name, more than T20. It’s exciting that we’ve got a World Cup coming up. At this stage, as you can imagine, it’s very much a tournament by tournament thing. But I’m loving my cricket. I’m still very motivated off the park. I had a tough year last year, but at the same time I’ve got a good support network around me. I’m feeling fit and ready to go,” Ferguson stated.
(With inputs from Agencies)
