The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off in Pakistan on February 19, featuring eight top teams: host Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. However, several key players from various teams have been ruled out due to injuries or personal reasons, significantly impacting their squads.
Major Setbacks for Afghanistan and Australia
Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out due to a spinal fracture sustained during the team’s tour of Zimbabwe in December.
Australia faces a massive blow, losing its pace attack as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been sidelined with injuries, while Mitchell Starc has withdrawn due to personal reasons.
Marcus Stoinis, who was initially part of Australia’s provisional squad, announced his retirement from ODIs on February 6.
Mitchell Marsh is also unavailable due to a back injury, with little chance of returning this season.
Injury Woes for England, India, and New Zealand
England’s Jacob Bethell suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s tour of India and has been ruled out.
India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will miss the tournament due to injury, delivering a major setback to the Indian bowling attack.
New Zealand is monitoring two key players: Lockie Ferguson, who suffered a hamstring injury in early February during the ILT20 tournament, and Rachin Ravindra, who sustained a forehead injury while fielding in a tri-series match in Lahore on February 8. His participation in the final of the tri-series remains uncertain.
Pakistan and South Africa Face Key Absences
Pakistan’s Haris Rauf suffered a side strain injury just 11 days before the Champions Trophy, during the ongoing tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
Saim Ayub, who injured his foot during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, had already been ruled out of the tournament.
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, who has not played competitive cricket since December 2024 due to a back injury, has also been ruled out. His replacement, Gerald Coetzee, later suffered a back injury himself, adding to South Africa’s woes.
Who Was in the Squad and Who Missed Out?
This list includes only those players who were named in their team’s provisional 15-member squads in January but were later ruled out. It does not include players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, or Saim Ayub, who were not selected initially due to fitness concerns or personal reasons.
As the tournament draws closer, teams will be scrambling to finalize their best possible playing XI in the absence of these crucial players. Stay tuned for more updates as the Champions Trophy 2025 unfolds!
