SYDNEY, Feb. 12: Mitchell Starc has opted out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for personal reasons, Cricket Australia confirmed on Wednesday as it finalized the squad. His absence, along with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leaves Australia without its premier pace trio for the tournament in Pakistan.
While Starc has requested privacy and will not comment on his decision, Cricket Australia has expressed full support for the 35-year-old, who played a crucial role in the team’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” said George Bailey, chair of the national selection panel. “His commitment to Australian cricket has always been unquestionable, often putting the team first even when playing through pain.”
Starc, who appeared in discomfort during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, returned home immediately after the second match, ruling him out of the upcoming two-match ODI series in Colombo starting February 12.
Cummins and Hazlewood had already withdrawn due to injury concerns, while Marcus Stoinis’ sudden retirement from ODIs further reshaped the squad. Mitchell Marsh will also miss the tournament.
Their absence has created opportunities for Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Sean Abbott to step in. Aaron Hardie is expected to take over Stoinis’ role, while Tanveer Sangha has also been included. Cooper Connolly will travel as a reserve.
Australia will open its Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore.
Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
