New Delhi: Renowned Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket Australia announced this on Wednesday morning. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer was anticipated to spearhead the bowling lineup for the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy winners in Pakistan following the exclusion of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood who were ruled out last week. However Starc has now also been sidelined. As reported by Cricket.com.au 35-year-old Mitchell Starc who has taken 244 wickets in 127 matches has chosen not to discuss his decision and has requested privacy. It has been noted that the left-arm fast bowler appeared to be experiencing discomfort due to a left ankle problem while bowling during the second innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last week. He is said to have returned to Australia and will not be eligible for selection in the upcoming two-match away series against Sri Lanka which begins in Colombo on Wednesday February 12. Cricket Australia has shown their complete support for Starc although the specific reasons for his withdrawal are not publicly disclosed. We understand and respect Mitch’s decision Australias senior mens team chief selector George Bailey said on Wednesday. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia. His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded. His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament he added. Australia has replaced Starc Cummins and Hazlewood with Spencer Johnson Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis in their 15-player squad which will be captained by Steve Smith. Johnson who has participated in two One Day Internationals and eight Twenty20 Internationals for Australia to date is regarded as a direct substitute for Starc. Australias squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Steve Smith (C) Josh Inglis (WK) Sean Abbott Alex Carey Ben Dwarshuis Nathan Ellis Jake Fraser-McGurk Aaron Hardie Travis Head Spencer Johnson Marnus Labuschagne Glenn Maxwell Tanveer Sangha Matthew Short Adam Zampa.