Australia speedster Mitchell Starc has decided to skip the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to personal reasons. Earlier, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh were ruled out of the tournament due to injuries. On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis announced retirement from the ODI format. Starc has urged everyone to respect his privacy and would not comment on his call.

Starc will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka as he left the country after playing in the second Test. The reason behind Starc’s departure hasn’t been revealed but Cricket Australia is backing the 35-year-old.

“We respect his decision as he has been a committed cricketer for years,” George Bailey said.

“He has played despite suffering injuries and put his country first. His absence is a big blow for us but it also provides an opportunity for someone to impress in the tournament,” he added.

Steve Smith will lead Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis have been added to the squad.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly