Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy, cites injury and personal reasons

Australia’s seasoned fast bowler Mitchell Starc has revealed that a lingering ankle issue was the primary reason behind his decision to withdraw from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, he also hinted at “personal views” playing a role in his decision to skip the tournament.

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The 35-year-old pacer, who played in all seven of Australia’s recent Test matches, opted to focus on his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June rather than traveling to Pakistan for the 50-over tournament.

Mitchell Starc prioritizes fitness over Champions Trophy

Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Starc opened up about his decision to sit out of the tournament.

"There are a few different reasons, some personal views," Starc said. "I had a bit of ankle pain through the [Border-Gavaskar] Test series, so I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the Test [Championship] final coming up and a West Indies tour after that.”

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The Australian speedster also acknowledged the Indian Premier League (IPL) but maintained that his primary focus remains on the World Test Championship final.

"There is some IPL cricket as well, but the main one at the top of my mind is the Test final... get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months, and then get ready to go for the Test final. We find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot," Starc added.

While Starc refrained from elaborating on his ‘personal views’, his withdrawal comes amid the hybrid format of the Champions Trophy. The format requires teams to travel to Dubai for their matches against India, while the remaining fixtures take place in Pakistan under tight security. The tournament marks Pakistan’s first time hosting a major ICC event since 1996.

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Australia, placed in Group B alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan, will play all their group-stage matches in Pakistan.

With Starc’s withdrawal, Australia now finds itself without its renowned pace trio, as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also absent due to injuries. The absence of these key bowlers could pose a challenge for Australia as they navigate the tournament with a depleted pace attack.

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