“Some Personal Reasons”, Mitchell Starc Opens Up On Missing Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Starc has finally broken his silence on his absence from the ongoing Champions Trophy, revealing that a sore ankle was the primary reason behind his withdrawal. However, he also hinted that his decision was influenced by certain “personal views,” adding an element of intrigue to his omission.

The 35-year-old’s absence from the Australian squad came as a surprise, especially with key fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also missing due to injuries. With an already depleted pace attack, Starc’s withdrawal raised eyebrows, particularly since Cricket Australia cited “personal reasons” without offering further clarification.

Speaking on a podcast, which is co-hosted by his wife and Australian women’s team captain Alyssa Healy, Starc addressed the situation for the first time. He explained that his ongoing ankle pain, which he struggled with during Australia’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka, was a major concern leading up to the tournament. But he also acknowledged that fitness was not the only factor in his decision, saying, “There are a few different reasons, some personal views.”

Despite the speculation surrounding his remarks, Mitchell Starc chose not to elaborate on what exactly these “personal views” entailed. The Champions Trophy is being played under strict security measures in Pakistan and the UAE, leading to theories that security concerns may have played a role in his decision.

While his absence is a setback for Australia, the team must now navigate the tournament without its seasoned pace spearhead, hoping to fill the void left by the trio of missing fast bowlers.