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Mitchell Starc was one of three frontline bowling options missing Australia's CT campaign © Getty
Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc has said that a lingering ankle issue was the primary reason behind his decision to opt out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but also hinted at 'personal views' playing a role in his withdrawal.
The 35-year-old fast bowler, who featured in all seven of Australia's Test matches recently, chose to prioritise his fitness for the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa in June at Lord's instead of heading to Pakistan for the ICC 50-overs tournament.
"There are a few different reasons, some personal views," Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast while explaining his absence.
"I had a bit of ankle pain through the [Border-Gavaskar] Test series, so I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the Test [Championship] 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 get ready to go for the Test final.
"We find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot."
While Starc refrained from elaborating on his 'personal views', his withdrawal comes amid a hybrid tournament format, requiring teams to travel to Dubai for matches against India.
The remaining games are being played in Pakistan under heavy security, as the country hosts its first major ICC event since 1996. Australia, grouped alongside England, South Africa and Afghanistan, play all their Group B matches in Pakistan.
As a result of Starc's withdrawal, Australia are without their renowned pace-bowling trio, as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also absent due to injuries.
Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc has said that a lingering ankle issue was the primary reason behind his decision to opt out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but also hinted at 'personal views' playing a role in his withdrawal.
The 35-year-old fast bowler, who featured in all seven of Australia's Test matches recently, chose to prioritise his fitness for the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa in June at Lord's instead of heading to Pakistan for the ICC 50-overs tournament.
"There are a few different reasons, some personal views," Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast while explaining his absence.
"I had a bit of ankle pain through the [Border-Gavaskar] Test series, so I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the Test [Championship] 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 get ready to go for the Test final.
"We find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot."
While Starc refrained from elaborating on his 'personal views', his withdrawal comes amid a hybrid tournament format, requiring teams to travel to Dubai for matches against India.
The remaining games are being played in Pakistan under heavy security, as the country hosts its first major ICC event since 1996. Australia, grouped alongside England, South Africa and Afghanistan, play all their Group B matches in Pakistan.
As a result of Starc's withdrawal, Australia are without their renowned pace-bowling trio, as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also absent due to injuries.