Mitchell Starc Absent from ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as Australia Progress Without Senior Pacer

Mitchell Starc did not feature in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after withdrawing from the tournament before it began, citing personal reasons, an ankle issue, and a desire to prioritise the upcoming World Test Championship final. Australia proceeded through the group stage without one of their most experienced left-arm pacers. Starc's withdrawal was confirmed on February 12, 2025, when Cricket Australia announced their final 15-member squad. The 35-year-old's absence meant Australia were without their entire first-choice pace attack from the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph, as captain Pat Cummins (ankle) and Josh Hazlewood (hip) were also ruled out through injury. Selection chair George Bailey expressed support for Starc's decision. "We understand and respect Mitch's decision. 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," Bailey stated. In a subsequent interview on the Willow Talk podcast, Starc explained his reasoning. "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. Obviously, we have the Test final coming up and a West Indies tour after that. The main one at the top of my mind is the Test final," Starc said. Australia's restructured pace attack for the Champions Trophy included Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Aaron Hardie. Steve Smith was named captain in Cummins' absence. Despite the depleted bowling unit, Australia's campaign proved effective. They opened with a five-wicket victory over England in Lahore, chasing down 352 in what became the highest successful run chase at an ICC event. Their second group match against South Africa in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain. Australia's final group match against Afghanistan on February 28 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore also fell victim to weather. Afghanistan posted 273 all out, with Sediqullah Atal scoring 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai contributing 67. Ben Dwarshuis claimed 3-47, while Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson each took two wickets. Australia reached 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs, with Travis Head unbeaten on 59, before persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned. The shared points from the abandoned fixture secured Australia's semi-final qualification with four points, finishing second in Group B behind South Africa. They now face India in the first semi-final on March 4 in Dubai. Starc's absence from the Champions Trophy ensures additional recovery time ahead of the World Test Championship final. His long-term role within Australia's pace attack remains unchanged, with selectors viewing the withdrawal as a short-term measure focused on prioritising Test cricket commitments.