ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Marcus Stoinis shockingly announces retirement from ODI cricket
Published - 06 Feb 2025, 12:08 PM | Updated - 06 Feb 2025, 12:19 PM
Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis shocked the cricket world by announcing his ODI retirement just ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Marcus Stoinis will retire from One-Day Internationals with immediate effect, as the all-rounder stated that he would focus on T20 cricket moving forward.
The 35-year-old was included in Australia's provisional squad for the Champions Trophy but has decided to retire from ODIs and will not participate in the tournament. He last played for Australia in an ODI against Pakistan in November 2024. Stoinis was a key part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup-winning team.
Playing ODI Cricket for Australia Has Been an Incredible Journey - Marcus Stoinis
Following his decision, Marcus Stoinis called his ODI career an "incredible journey." Stoinis expressed gratitude for representing Australia in the 50-over format. He stated that retiring was a difficult decision, but it was the right time to focus on his T20 career.
"Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for every moment I've had in the green and gold. Representing my country at the highest level is something I'll always cherish," Stonis said.
"This wasn't an easy decision, but I believe it's the right time for me to step away from ODIs and fully focus on the next chapter of my career. I've got a fantastic relationship with Ron (Andrew McDonald) and I've hugely appreciated his support," he added.
Stoinis Has Been Such a Pivotal Part of Our ODI Setup - Andrew McDonald
Australian men's head coach Andrew McDonald praised Marcus Stoinis for his significant contribution to the team's ODI setup over the past decade. He expressed admiration for both his playing and personal qualities.
"Stoinis has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade. Not only has he been an invaluable player but also an incredible person to have in the group. He is a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person. He should be congratulated on his ODI career and all of his achievements," Andrew McDonald said.
Australia Has to Name Marcus Stoinis' Replacement in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Stoinis made his debut for Australia in the ODI format in 2015 against England at Old Trafford. After a slow start, he made his mark in 2016 with a memorable 146 not out against New Zealand. Over his career, the right-handed batter has played 71 ODI matches for Australia, scoring 1,495 runs and taking 48 wickets.
The veteran all-rounder was named Australia's ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018-19. With Stoinis' retirement, he will no longer feature in Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy, which will commence on February 18. The National Selection Panel will finalize the squad after the Sri Lanka Test series.
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