Why Mitchell Starc will not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

Mitchell Starc finished the BGT 2024-25 with 18 wickets.

The last few months have been bittersweet for Australia. While the Kangaroos have recorded historic test series wins against India at home and Sri Lanka away, their ODI side for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has suffered a major blow.

Australia faced a major setback when Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood followed Marsh and were also ruled out due to respective injuries.

Marcus Stoinis then announced a shocking ODI retirement just weeks before the tournament. The latest addition to this list of absentees is Mitchell Starc. Cricket Australia confirmed on Wednesday, February 12, that the experienced pacer won’t travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

Why Mitchell Starc will not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan?

Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to personal reasons. The exact reason for Starc’s decision is not known and the pacer has asked for privacy over the matter.

The left-arm pacer looked uncomfortable while bowling in the second innings of the second test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Speaking to the media, Australia’s chief selector George Bailey said Cricket Australia respects Starc’s decision. He also praised Starc as a valuable member of the team who has played through pain many times in his career.

Bailey said, “We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.“

“His well documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.“

Bailey emphasized that while Starc’s absence is a big blow for Australia, it gives other players a great opportunity in an ICC event.

He added, “His (Starc) loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.“

Australia have named Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha and Sean Abbott as the five replacements, while Smith will lead Australia in Cummins’ absence.

Australia squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey (wk), Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short and Adam Zampa.

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