Mitchell Starc Pulls Out Of Champions Trophy 2025 Due To Personal Reasons
Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy.
Legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The news was confirmed by Cricket Australia on Wednesday morning. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer was expected to lead the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy winners bowling attack in Pakistan in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who were ruled out last week, but now he has also joined them on the sidelines.
According to Cricket.com.au, 35-year-old Starc, who has 244 wickets to his name in 127 matches played so far, will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy. It has been reported that the left-arm pacer looked to be in discomfort with a left ankle issue while bowling in the second innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last week.
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He has reportedly returned to Australia and will not be available for selection in the two-match away series against Sri Lanka that starts in Colombo on Wednesday, February 12.
While the reasons for Starc’s withdrawal remain private, Cricket Australia has expressed their full support for Starc.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision," Australia’s senior men’s team chief selector George Bailey said on Wednesday. “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. His loss is, of course, a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament," he added.
In place of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, Australia has included Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis in the 15-member squad, which will be led by Steve Smith.
Johnson, who has played two ODIs and eight T20Is for Australia so far, is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Starc.
Australia’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Steve Smith (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
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