Sydney, Feb 12; Mitchell Starc has decided to skip the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as Australia finalised their squad for the event on Wednesday, February 12. Steve Smith will be leading the team in Pakistan as the squad will miss the presence of the ‘big 3’ pacers with Starc’s withdrawal.
Starc has decided to withdraw from the tournament for personal reasons, and will join Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. Cummins and Hazlewood decided to sit out of the Champions Trophy due to injury concerns, while Australia will also be without the services of Mitchell Marsh. Marcus Stoinis will also be absent from the squad as he announced his shock ODI retirement ahead of the tournament.
It has been revealed that Starc will not be commenting on why he decided to skip the Champions Trophy as he asked for privacy. Cricket Australia has expressed their full support for the 35-year-old, who played a vital role in their ODI World Cup triumph in 2023.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel George Bailey said today.
“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.”
“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 Champion’s Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”