Melbourne [Australia], February 27: Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc revealed the reasons behind his decision to pull out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is being held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Starc was initially named in Australia’s preliminary squad for the eight-team tournament but was notably absent when the final group of 15 players was announced earlier this month. At the time, Australia stated that Starc had withdrawn for personal reasons, and they fully supported his decision.
Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast in Australia, Starc provided further clarity on his withdrawal, citing several factors. The pacer explained that the main reason for his decision was to ensure he would be available for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa in London this June. “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. There is some IPL cricket as well. The main one at the top of my mind is the Test final. Get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months, and then ready to go for the Test final,” Starc explained, as quoted by ICC.
Starc’s absence has not been strongly felt yet, as Australia’s bowlers, including Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis, have stepped up, and the team secured a thrilling victory over arch-rivals England. However, a washout against South Africa means Australia needs a win against Afghanistan in their final group match to reach the knockout stage of the tournament, allowing Starc additional time to rest for a busy schedule ahead.
Starc had a crucial role in helping Australia win their first World Test Championship title against India at The Oval in 2023, alongside fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Reflecting on the World Test Championship’s significance, Starc said, “I remember (when the World Test Championship was introduced) thinking it doesn’t mean much. But we got close to it and missed out, and watching it on TV we wanted to be part of it. Now we find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.”