The title of this article is not misleading, nor is it a sarcastic post. To be very honest, it really seems like everyone is getting injured these days!
Let’s start with the Australian players, as their list is quite long. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh are all ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injuries. Cummins sustained an ankle injury, Hazlewood is battling a calf strain, and Marsh picked up a back injury.
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald, while speaking to ESPNcricinfo, mentioned that skipper Cummins is highly doubtful for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy.
“Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of a shame,” McDonald said in an interview with the radio station SEN on Wednesday. “We’ve also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling [to be fit] at the moment.”
In Cummins’ absence, the Kangaroos will not only need to replace a bowler but also find a new leader.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling, so he’s unlikely,” McDonald explained. “That means we need a captain. Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two players we’ve been considering while building our Champions Trophy squad, along with Pat back home. They’ll be the two we look at for the leadership role.”
Australia isn’t the only side facing injury setbacks ahead of the mega event. South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee has also been ruled out of both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy 2025 after experiencing groin tightness while bowling at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria on Wednesday.
“Following further assessment by the Proteas medical team, it was determined that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury under the higher bowling load required for the upcoming 50-over matches,” CSA stated in a release.
India’s leading pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, is also recovering from an injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar series. The right-arm pacer, who has been a key player for the team in all formats, remains uncertain for the upcoming England series and the Champions Trophy.
“Jasprit—obviously, we’re waiting on an update about his scan, which is due in the next few days. We’re just waiting for that update, and once the scan happens, we’ll have more clarity about his participation in the last ODI,” said Rohit Sharma.
Last but not least, Pakistan’s Saim Ayub suffered an ankle fracture during the Test series against South Africa in December and is set to miss international cricket action for at least six more months.
“I am closely monitoring Saim’s condition. He is currently undergoing rehab. His leg cast will come off in one to two days. After that, he will enter the recovery phase, which will take time. I don’t want to put his future at risk for the sake of one Champions Trophy. Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for us, and, God willing, he will recover soon,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
It is eminent to mention the Champions Trophy 2025 will begin from 19th February in Pakistan.
