Big Names Missing from ICC Champions Trophy 2025

By: Arslan Syed

The countdown is almost over! We're on the cusp of the electrifying finale of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy-the excitement is palpable! After a 29-year drought, the biggest prize in one-day cricket is finally returning to Pakistani shores. The wait has been a long and arduous one, spanning three decades. The ICC Champions trophy returns with a bang, breaking a eight year drought, where eight cricketing powerhouses will clash in 15 electrifying matches across Pakistan and UAE, and of course with Dubai hosting the clash of the titans on February 23 between arch rival India and Pakistan.

And, now, the Pakistani faithful are eagerly anticipating the chance to see their beloved Green Shirts defend their title on home turf. Although the recent tri-series didn't quite go according to script, with Pakistan falling short, the fans remain optimistic. They're banking on their team to bounce back and make a bold statement in the Champions Trophy. Despite this, as the teams gear up for the battle ahead, there's a notable absentee list that's got everyone talking. You got it right! Let’s take a closer look at the big-name players from each of the eight participating teams who'll be missing in action at the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Saim Ayunb

In this Champions Trophy, the Green Shirts' player generating the most buzz in the media is none other than the aggressive left-handed batsman Saim Ayub. Unfortunately, Saim's knee injury sustained against South Africa last year has ruled him out of this prestigious tournament. Despite PCB's best efforts to hasten his recovery, fate hasn't been kind to Saim Ayub this time around, and he won't be joining the Green Shirts for the tournament. 22-year-old Saim Ayub's ICC Champions Trophy dreams have been shattered due to a knee injury sustained during the Test series against South Africa. This setback is a significant blow to hosts Pakistan, who were banking on the young batsman's firepower. Saim had already made a name for himself as a future batting sensation, smashing three centuries in just nine ODI appearances. With Pakistan aiming to defend their title, Saim's absence means the national team will have to regroup and rethink their strategy.

Jasprit Bhumrah

Jasprit Bumrah's exclusion from the tournament is a massive blow to Team India. Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be missing in action at the ICC Champions Trophy due to injury, dealing a massive blow to the Indian team. Bumrah was in scintillating form, making his absence a significant setback. Bumrah suffered a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which hasn't healed as expected. The Indian team will sorely miss their star pacer in the Champions Trophy, with relatively inexperienced Harshit Rana drafted into the squad as his replacement.

Pat Cmmins

Who can forget Pat Cummins, the mastermind behind Australia's 2023 ODI World Cup triumph in India? None other than the inspirational leader, Pat Cummins!
Pat Cummins' leadership has been exemplary, guiding the Australian team to numerous victories in recent years. Who can forget the 2023 World Cup final in India, where he led his team to a thrilling win in front of a packed crowd of over 1.32 lakh Indian fans? His pre-match statement still echoes in the minds of Indian fans: "Nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent." It takes a special kind of captain to exude such confidence and leadership, and Cummins has proven himself to be just that. But, this time around, his absence from the squad ahead of the Champions Trophy will undoubtedly pose challenges for the Australian team in the tournament. Australia, the reigning World Champions, have been dealt a severe blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, with five key players ruled out of the tournament. The most significant absence is that of Australian captain Pat Cummins, who will miss the tournament due to a knee injury. Steve Smith will take over as captain in Cummins' absence. Australia will not only miss Cummins' bowling prowess but also his exceptional leadership, making his absence a double whammy for the team.

Mitchell Starc

Australia's ace fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. Starc is widely regarded as one of the world's best fast bowlers, renowned for his exceptional performances in high-pressure matches. His absence is likely to weaken the Australian bowling lineup, dealing a significant blow to their chances in the tournament.

Josh Hazlewood

Australia's pace attack has suffered another blow as Josh Hazlewood, one of their top fast bowlers, will miss the Champions Trophy due to injury. In his absence, Steve Smith will have to lead a relatively inexperienced bowling attack. Hazlewood was a crucial bowler for Australia in the 2023 World Cup, particularly in the semifinal and final, where his performances helped the team secure victories.

Marcus Stoinis 

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has made a surprise announcement, retiring from ODI cricket with immediate effect, ahead of the Champions Trophy. Stoinis has opted to focus on T20 cricket, and his sudden retirement means he will no longer be part of Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy, despite being initially selected.
Mitchell Marsh

Australia has suffered another setback as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to fitness issues. With Mitchell Marsh's withdrawal, the tally of absentees rises to five, severely denting Australia's prospects for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Anrich Nortje

South Africa announced their ICC Champions Trophy squad last month, but have since suffered a setback as fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.

Gerald Coetzee

Following Anrich Nortje's injury, Gerald Coetzee was added to South Africa's squad for the triangular series in Pakistan and the Champions Trophy. However, during a training session, Coetzee felt a strain in his thigh while bowling. The medical team assessed the fast bowler, and the injury was deemed severe. As a result, Coetzee will be unavailable for the ICC Champions Trophy. With Nortje and Coetzee injured, the onus of South Africa's fast bowling will largely fall on Kagiso Rabada.

AM Ghafnar

Afghanistan's emerging spinner, AM Ghafnar, has also been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that Ghafnar will miss the event due to an injury, revealing that he has suffered a fracture that will keep him out of cricket for four months.

Jacob Bethell

England's young all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, will unfortunately miss his first major ICC tournament. Bethell suffered a hamstring injury during the ODI series against India and was initially part of the English squad for the Champions Trophy. Tom Banton has been added to the squad as his replacement. Bethell's absence is a significant loss for England, as he could have played a crucial role with the bat and also contributed with his spin bowling.

Ben Sears

New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. According to New Zealand Cricket, Sears suffered the injury during a training session in Karachi on Wednesday. Jacob Duffy has been added to the squad as his replacement.

The absence of key players like Sears could make the Champions Trophy 2025 even more intriguing, as teams will have to rely on backup players, and new faces will take to the stage to showcase their skills. The marquee tournament will kick off on February 19 in Karachi where Pakistan and New Zealand will face each in the opening match. Well, it's anyone's game now! We'll have to wait until March 9 to see who'll lift the trophy. As they say, 'all on the line'

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