Mitchell Starc reveals shocking reason for last-minute withdrawal from ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has revealed the reason behind his withdrawal from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and Dubai. The left-arm pace bowler cited an ankle injury as the major reason but also stated that “personal views” played a role in his decision not to participate.

Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood are absent from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He was named in the squad but pulled out of the tournament citing personal reasons. The 35-year-old bowler featured in all seven Test matches during the summer, including five against India and two against Sri Lanka.

Had a Bit of Ankle Pain Through the Test Series - Mitchell Starc

Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Mitchell Starc revealed that he had ankle pain throughout the Test series against Sri Lanka. He added that his focus is on recovering in time for the upcoming Test final and the West Indies tour. Starc stated that he wants to help Australia defend their WTC title.

“There are a few different reasons, some personal views. I had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series, so I just need to get that one right,” Starc said.

“Obviously we have the Test final coming up and a West Indies tour after that. 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 ready to go for the Test final," he added.

Mitchell Starc Likely to Reach His 100th Test Match for Australia in...

Mitchell Starc did not reveal his “personal views” regarding the Champions Trophy, where players are confined to hotels and escorted under strict security. Starc has played through injuries, including a side issue during the India Test series and a noticeable limp in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The 35-year-old was the only specialist fast bowler in Sri Lanka, where Australia secured 2-0. Starc will reach his 100th Test cap in Jamaica this July if he features in the WTC final and all three Tests against the West Indies. He also needs 18 wickets to complete 400 wickets in the longer format of the game.

Chance to Win It for the Second Time on the Trot - Mitchell Starc

Starc admitted he was not impressed by the World Test Championship (WTC) during the first cycle. However, he stated that his perspective changed in the second cycle when Australia reached the final and defeated India on neutral ground.

"The first one being a new concept, I remember definitely, I was like, what's this all about? It doesn't mean much," Starc said. "We're trying to win every Test match, every Test series. And then we got close to it and we missed out and watching it on the TV, we all wanted to be a part of it. So that quickly changed.

"And then the second cycle, we made the final and obviously playing India on neutral territory, that was a big occasion for both teams, managed to get the chocolates that time. And now we find ourselves sitting [with] a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.