Mitchell Starc Withdraws from ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Australian team's pace attack will be severely depleted without Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, but they will be looking to their younger players to step up and fill the void. Starc's experience and skill will be missed, but his focus on his fitness and personal well-being is a testament to his commitment to his craft.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lingering ankle issue and personal reasons, prioritizing his fitness for the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.
Starc, 34, cited ankle pain as the primary reason for his decision, which was a recurring issue during the Test series against Sri Lanka. He also hinted at "personal views" contributing to his withdrawal, but did not elaborate on the matter. The Australian team will miss their frontline bowling trio, including Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are also injured.
The World Test Championship final, scheduled to take place at Lord's in June, is a priority for Starc, who is focused on getting his body right for the event and the upcoming West Indies tour. His absence from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has left Australia with an inexperienced pace attack, but Starc is expected to be available for the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Delhi Capitals.
Starc is on track to earn his 100th cap in Jamaica during July and needs 18 more wickets to reach 400. His decision to prioritize his fitness and personal well-being has raised some eyebrows, but the Australian team will be hoping for his return to full fitness ahead of the World Test Championship final.
