ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Starc backstabs Australia

The Australia national cricket team will be without key players for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, with left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc the latest big name to miss out. Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the much-awaited ICC tournament, which is scheduled to begin on February 19, due to personal reasons.

Australia will enter the Champions Trophy 2025 with a depleted squad. Captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out due to injuries. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is also missing due to an injury. Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODI cricket weeks before the tournament.

Mitchell Starc Withdraws from ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Due to Personal Reasons

On Wednesday (February 12) morning, Cricket Australia confirmed that Mitchell Starc will miss the Champions Trophy and the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, the statement did not disclose further details regarding the pacer's unavailability to respect his privacy.

Chair of selectors George Bailey backed Starc’s decision. Bailey acknowledged that Mitchell Starc’s absence is a significant blow but added it creates an opportunity for another player to shine in the tournament.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” Chair of Australia's men’s selectors George Bailey said.

“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 to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

Experienced Players Will Provide a Strong Foundation – George Bailey

George Bailey admitted that Australia's squad has changed significantly over the past month due to injuries and Marcus Stoinis' retirement. However, Bailey said that a core group of experienced players will provide a strong foundation in their attempt to win the upcoming Champions Trophy.

"The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis. The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months," Bailey said.

“A strong core of some of our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy. We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”

Cricket Australia Announces Updated Squad for Champions Trophy

Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood played a crucial role in Australia’s victory during the ODI World Cup 2023. With the fast bowling trio missing, the team will rely on Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Spencer Johnson. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tanveer Sangha have also been included.

Australia’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Steve Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

Also read: Sheldon Jackson quits cricket without an India cap