Australia cricket team’s Mitchell Starc had pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy in the last minute citing personal reasons. Now, the pacer has opened up about his decision to do so. The 2023 ODI World Cup champions are playing CT 2025 without the services of the experienced trio of Sarc-Cummins-Hazlewood, forcing the side to field inexperienced pacers in the tourney.
IPL 2025, WTC final behind Starc skipping Champions Trophy?
Speaking on Willow Talk podcast, Starc explained that there were different reasons for him skipping Champions Trophy, adding that there were some personal views as well. He claimed that there was some ankle pain that he had developed after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that needed to be attended to. He said that there was IPL 2025 as well coming up but the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa was his main focus.
“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, but 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 said.
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Australia fared well in their Champions Trophy opener against England, clinching a 5-wicket win. Their next game against South Africa was abandoned due to rain. Steve Smith and co. will next face Afghanistan on February 28 in their final group stage fixture. Meanwhile, Starc will be playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” chair of selectors George Bailey had said earlier.
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