Mitchell Starc, a pace bowler for Australia, stated that his decision to retire from the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was primarily due to a persistent ankle injury, but he also alluded to “personal views” as a contributing factor.
Instead of travelling to Pakistan for the ICC 50-overs event, the 35-year-old fast bowler, who recently appeared in all seven of Australia’s Test matches, decided to focus on getting fit for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
“There are a few different reasons, some personal views,” Starc explained when he was absent on the Willow Talk podcast.
“I simply need to get that one perfect since I experienced some ankle soreness throughout the [Border-Gavaskar] Test series. Naturally, the Test [Championship] final is imminent, followed by a visit of the West Indies.
“Although there is some IPL cricket as well, the Test final is the primary event on my mind. I need to take care of my body, play some cricket over the next few months, and then prepare for the Test final.
“We find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.”
Starc did not elaborate on his “personal views,” but his decision to quit coincides with a hybrid tournament format that forces teams to fly to Dubai in order to play India.
Under strict security, the remaining matches are being played in Pakistan, which is hosting its first significant ICC event since 1996. Australia plays all of its Group B matches in Pakistan, where it is drawn with South Africa, Afghanistan, and England.
Australia is without their famous pace-bowling three as a result of Starc’s withdrawal; Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also sidelined by injuries.
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