Dubai (Web Desk) – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with eight teams actively preparing for the event. Unfortunately, several teams will be without some of their key players. Even before the tournament starts, many prominent players have been ruled out due to various reasons, particularly injuries.
While teams have announced their squads for the ICC Champions Trophy, some had to make last-minute changes due to injuries. Here’s a look at the key players who won’t be part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Pat Cummins
Australia, the reigning world champion, has faced significant challenges, with five key players ruled out of the tournament. The most prominent name is their captain, Pat Cummins, who suffered an ankle injury. Steve Smith will lead the team in his absence. Cummins’ unavailability is a double blow for Australia as they’ll miss both his bowling prowess and exceptional captaincy.
Jasprit Bumrah
India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will also miss the tournament due to an injury, dealing a massive blow to the Indian team as he was in top form. Bumrah sustained a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which hasn’t healed as expected. India will keenly feel his absence, and Harshit Rana, a relatively inexperienced pacer, has been included as his replacement.
Mitchell Starc
Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has opted out of the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. Known for his brilliant performances in big matches, Starc’s absence could significantly weaken Australia’s bowling lineup.
Saim Ayub
The 22-year-old Pakistani batter Saim Ayub has been ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during a Test series against South Africa. His absence is a major setback for the host team, Pakistan, as Saim had established himself as a crucial player with three centuries in just nine ODIs. Pakistan will need to devise a new strategy for their title defense without him.
Josh Hazlewood
Another major blow for Australia is the absence of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined due to injury. His absence will leave Steve Smith with a less experienced bowling attack. Hazlewood had played a vital role in Australia’s 2023 World Cup victory, especially with his performances in the semi-final and final.
Marcus Stoinis
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his sudden retirement from ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy to focus on T20 cricket. He was initially part of Australia’s squad for the tournament.
Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh, another key Australian all-rounder, has been ruled out due to fitness issues.
Anrich Nortje
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje will miss the tournament due to a back injury. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Proteas’ bowling attack.
“The absence of these key players might make the Champions Trophy 2025 even more exciting”
Gerald Coetzee
South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who was initially named as Nortje’s replacement, also suffered a thigh strain during a training session. After a medical examination, his injury was deemed severe enough to rule him out of the tournament. With both Nortje and Coetzee out, Kagiso Rabada will carry the bulk of the fast-bowling responsibilities.
A.M. Ghazanfar
Afghanistan’s emerging spinner A.M. Ghazanfar is also out of the tournament due to a fracture that will keep him away from cricket for four months.
Jacob Bethell
England’s young all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss his first major ICC tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury during an ODI series against India. Tom Banton has been named as his replacement. Bethell’s absence is significant, as his batting and spin bowling would have added valuable depth to the English squad.
Ben Sears
New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during a training session in Karachi. Jacob Duffy has replaced him in the squad.
The absence of these key players might make the Champions Trophy 2025 even more exciting, as teams will rely on new faces looking to prove themselves on the big stage.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan and New Zealand will face off in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy on February 19 in Karachi.
