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Mitchell Starc reveals reason behind missing Champions Trophy (Photograph: X)
Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has finally revealed the reason behind pulling out from Champions Trophy 2025. The left-arm pacer took the decision just a week before the tournament could kick. Australia were already without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh due to injuries and Marcus Stoinis had also announced his retirement from ODI Cricket.
Starc was a guest on Willow Talk podcast where he revealed why he didn’t travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Mitchell Starc said, “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 35-year-old will be turning out for Delhi Capitals in the coming season of IPL. Starc was a key part of Kolkata Knight Riders last season that won the IPL title. After IPL, the Australian players will take part in the World Test Championships finals. The current WTC holders will face South Africa in Lord’s.
Mitchell Starc giving priority to Test cricket
During his chat on the Willow Talk Podcast, Starc also said, “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." Australia began Champions Trophy 2025 with win over England and their next match against the Proteas was washed out due to rain.
During the course of his conversation on the podcast, Starc mentioned that many Australian players weren’t too enthused with World Test Championships. Their thinking changed after watching the inaugural finals between India and New Zealand in 2021. Kane Williamson and his side won the title by eight wickets to claim the title.
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.”