Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc has clarified that his decision to withdraw from the Champions Trophy was based on “personal views” rather than private matters. The 35-year-old left-arm fast bowler had cited “personal reasons” for wanting to remain in Sydney instead of participating in the tournament held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with Cricket Australia supporting his choice while keeping the details confidential.
Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, who also serves as the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, recently attempted to downplay the situation while commentating on a match. However, during a podcast discussion, Starc suggested that his reluctance to compete in the tournament was rooted in moral concerns. He mentioned a background of ankle pain from the Test series in Sri Lanka, indicating he needed to focus on his recovery.
Looking ahead, Starc’s priority is the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, along with an upcoming series against the West Indies and commitments in the IPL. He aims to ensure his fitness for these crucial matches.
The Champions Trophy is taking place under stringent security in Pakistan and the UAE. Starc has previously played Test matches in Pakistan and has experience participating in tournaments in the UAE. Due to safety issues, Pakistan had been mostly excluded from the international cricketing calendar for two decades, which has led to controversies regarding current events, particularly with the Indian team opting not to travel to Pakistan and instead remaining in the UAE throughout the tournament.
This arrangement has sparked criticism from some former players, with England cricket legend Nasser Hussain commenting on the perceived preferential treatment afforded to India, as they have a stable base without the need for travel, giving them a tactical advantage in the tournament.
As for Australia, they started strong by defeating England in their first Champions Trophy match, but their subsequent game against South Africa was interrupted by rain, leaving them needing a victory against Afghanistan to secure a spot in the semi-finals.