Mitchell Starc Withdraws from Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy Campaign
Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to personal reasons. This is a significant blow to the Australian squad, which is already missing key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries. With Starc’s absence, Steven Smith will captain the team.
Starc will also miss Australia’s two ODIs against Sri Lanka, with the first to be contested in Colombo on Wednesday AEDT.
Cricket Australia said the reasons for Starc’s withdrawal would “remain private”.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey said in a statement.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, with the final scheduled for March 9. Eight countries are participating in the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A includes India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while Group B features South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England.
Australia’s revised squad for the tournament includes Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa. Cooper Connolly will be the traveling reserve.
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament is the India vs Pakistan clash, scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. This match is always a highlight due to the intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants.
Australia’s first match in the tournament will be against England on February 22 in Lahore. The team will also face South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
Despite the challenges, Australia remains determined to lift the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009. The tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of cricketing talent worldwide.
