Mitchell Starc Opens Up About Withdrawing From ICC Champions Trophy 2025

February 27, 2025: Australia’s left-arm pacer, Mitchell Starc, has opened up about why he decided to withdraw from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is being held in Pakistan and the UAE. Starc was initially included in Australia’s preliminary squad, but his name was notably missing when the final 15-player squad was revealed earlier this month. At the time, Australia had cited personal reasons for his withdrawal and expressed support for his decision.

In a recent appearance on the Willow Talk podcast, Starc provided further insight into his absence, stating that his primary concern was to ensure his availability for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final in June against South Africa in London. “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,” Starc explained. “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.”

Despite Starc’s absence, Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign has been off to a solid start, with Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis stepping up in the pacer’s absence. The team started with a thrilling victory over England, but a washout against South Africa means they now need a win against Afghanistan in their final group match to advance to the knockout stage. This allows Starc more time to rest and prepare for his busy schedule ahead.

Starc, who played a key role in helping Australia win their first World Test Championship title in 2023, emphasized the significance of the tournament and his desire to contribute to Australia’s success again. Reflecting on the introduction of the World Test Championship, Starc admitted, “I remember 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.”

Starc’s withdrawal from the Champions Trophy may have been a personal decision, but it is clear that his focus is on ensuring his fitness for the high-stakes upcoming tournaments and Australia’s continued success.