As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Pakistan on February 19, the excitement is at an all-time high. But while fans gear up for thrilling encounters, several teams are entering the tournament with a major disadvantage—missing some of their biggest stars due to injuries, personal reasons, and unexpected retirements.
With key players sidelined, squads have undergone last-minute changes, and new faces will now have the chance to shine on the grand stage. Here’s a look at the top cricketers who will miss this mega event.
Saim Ayub (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s Young Star Benched
Pakistan’s rising talent Saim Ayub is out of the tournament after sustaining an ankle injury during the Test series against South Africa. His absence is a major blow to the defending champions, as the young batter had already made a mark with three centuries in just nine ODIs.
Jasprit Bumrah (India) – India’s Pace Spearhead Sidelined
India’s fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah will miss the tournament due to a lingering back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. With Bumrah in top form before his injury, his absence leaves a huge gap in India’s bowling attack, with Harshit Rana stepping in as his replacement.
Pat Cummins (Australia) – Captain’s Armband Handed Over
Australia has suffered the most setbacks, with five key players ruled out. Captain Pat Cummins is among them, sidelined with an ankle injury. His absence means Steve Smith will take over the captaincy, and Australia will not only miss his leadership but also his bowling prowess.
Mitchell Starc (Australia) – Aussie Strike Bowler Bows Out
Star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons, leaving a significant void in Australia’s pace attack. Known for his match-winning performances in big tournaments, his absence could impact Australia’s title chances.
Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – World Cup Hero Out of Action
Another huge setback for Australia is the injury of Josh Hazlewood, one of their key pacers during the 2023 World Cup triumph. With Hazlewood ruled out, Australia will have to rely on a less experienced bowling lineup.
Marcus Stoinis (Australia) – Shock Retirement Shakes Squad
In a surprise move, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket, opting to focus on T20s. He was originally part of Australia’s Champions Trophy squad.
Mitchell Marsh (Australia) – Fitness Woes Continue
Another major all-rounder missing from the squad is Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out due to fitness concerns, adding to Australia’s growing woes.
Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – Proteas’ Speedster Ruled Out
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje was expected to play a crucial role but has been ruled out with a back injury.
Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) – Replacement Bowler Also Injured
Gerald Coetzee, who was called up to replace Nortje, suffered a groin injury during training, forcing South Africa to rethink its pace attack. With both Nortje and Coetzee out, Kagiso Rabada will shoulder most of the bowling responsibility.
Jacob Bethell (England) – Young Gun Misses Big Debut
England’s young all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who was set to play his first major ICC tournament, is also out due to a hamstring injury. Tom Banton has been named as his replacement.
Ben Sears (New Zealand) – Kiwi Speedster’s Tournament Ends Early
New Zealand pacer Ben Sears suffered a hamstring injury during training in Karachi, ruling him out of the Champions Trophy. Jacob Duffy has taken his spot in the squad.
With so many big names missing, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an unpredictable spectacle. Teams will have to adapt, and fresh talent will get the chance to prove themselves on cricket’s grand stage. The action begins on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi.