Mitchell Starc, the star pacer for Australia, has now spoken out about why he was unable to compete in the Champions Trophy 2025, citing an ankle ailment as the primary cause. He did, however, also highlight certain personal opinions that influenced the choice.
Notably, Australia now has an inexperienced pace attack in the competition as a result of Starc’s absence, along with that of fellow fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The board and team management fully supported Cricket Australia’s first claim that the bowler had withdrawn for personal reasons. Australia’s bowling strength was severely weakened by his absence, as well as that of Cummins and Hazlewood, forcing them to rely on a less seasoned pace attack.
In spite of this, the Australians will advance to the semi-finals if they defeat Afghanistan on Friday, February 28, in Lahore. Mitchell Starc stated that maintaining his fitness before important Test assignments was a top concern when asked about his decision, but he did not go into further detail about his personal opinions.
“I experienced some ankle pain during the Test series [against Sri Lanka] for a variety of reasons, including personal opinions. We obviously have the Test final coming up and a trip of the West Indies after that, so just get that one right. IPL cricket is also on my mind, but the Test final is my first priority, so I need to take care of my body, play some cricket over the next few months, and then be prepared for the Test final,” Starc stated on the Willow Talk podcast.
Due to Mitchell Starc withdrawal, the tournament’s schedule and format were called into question.
The World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa and a Test series against the West Indies are the left-arm pacer’s top priorities, he made clear. Questions over the Champions Trophy’s schedule and structure had also been raised by his decision to quit.
Players’ movements are restricted because the event is being held in Pakistan under severe security. Teams that play India are also required to go to Dubai under the hybrid concept. Conversely, all of the Men in Blue’s games will be held at the same location. Although he had already visited Pakistan in 2022, his decision may have been impacted by the current logistical difficulties.
A virtual quarterfinal will be Australia’s next test, and the victor will advance to the semi-finals. The Men in Yellow won’t be eliminated right away, though, even if they lose. To qualify, they will need to hope that England defeats South Africa by a significant amount.
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