Mitchell Starc has finally opened up about his absence from the ongoing Champions Trophy, revealing that a sore ankle was the primary reason behind his withdrawal. However, the veteran Australian pacer also hinted that “personal views” played a role in his decision. His absence, along with those of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, has left Australia with a depleted bowling attack in the 50-over tournament being played in Pakistan and the UAE.

Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, which is co-hosted by his wife and Australia’s women’s captain Alyssa Healy, Starc explained that he had been struggling with ankle pain during the recent two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

WATCH – Rohit Sharma’s Dubai Stroll Sparks Frenzy As Fans Gather In Huge Numbers

While managing his fitness was a priority, he acknowledged that it wasn’t the only reason he opted out. However, he refrained from elaborating on what his “personal views” were, especially given the tournament’s stringent security protocols.

Mitchell Starc has explained the reasons behind his withdrawal from the #ChampionsTrophy

Details: https://t.co/KXtvAdEeTu pic.twitter.com/XFFKpJ0Ndi

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 26, 2025

“I had some ankle pain through the Sri Lanka series, so I just need to get that right,” Mitchll Starc said. “The World Test Championship final is at the top of my mind, along with the upcoming West Indies tour. There’s some IPL cricket as well, but the main goal is to get my body right for the Test final.”

WATCH – Karun Nair Falls Short Of Century After Costly Run-Out In Ranji Trophy Final

Despite his absence from the Champions Trophy, Starc remains one of Australia’s busiest cricketers. He was the only member of Australia’s famed “Big Three” pacers to feature in all seven recent Tests against India and Sri Lanka. Looking ahead, he will join Delhi Capitals for the IPL next month before shifting focus to the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, followed by a three-Test series against the West Indies.