Mitchell Starc missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after withdrawing ahead of the tournament, citing personal reasons, ongoing ankle discomfort, and a focus on the upcoming World Test Championship final. His absence, along with injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, left Australia without their first-choice pace trio from the 2023 ODI World Cup, prompting a reshuffled bowling attack under stand-in captain Steve Smith. Despite the depleted squad, Australia advanced to the semi-finals. They secured a record-breaking chase against England before rain washed out fixtures against South Africa and Afghanistan, earning enough points to finish second in Group B. Cricket Australia backed Starc’s decision, viewing it as a short-term measure to prioritise fitness and Test commitments while maintaining his long-term role within the national side.

Muskan Zahra

11 months ago5 min