KEY POINTS
• Australia hit hard as five star players ruled out of Champions Trophy
• Pakistan will be without Saim Ayub, India will miss Bumrah, South Africa will be without Miller, Nortje and Coetzee
ISLAMABAD: As the cricketing world prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan, a wave of injury woes has swept through several teams.
The excitement surrounding the tournament has dimmed somewhat as more than dozens of key players have been ruled out due to injuries, or withdrawal turning the spotlight onto the depth and resilience of their respective teams.
Pakistan
In a heartbreaking twist for Pakistan, rising star Saim Ayub, who was in fine form, has been sidelined after suffering a right ankle fracture during a Test match against South Africa last month.
Medical experts predict he will be off the field for over a month, leaving fans to wonder about the impact on the team’s strategy.
Australia
Australia has found itself in a similar predicament. The team’s fast-bowling unit has taken a significant hit with Pat Cummins battling an ankle injury, and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to side and calf troubles.
Adding to their woes, Marcus Stoinis’s surprised retirement decision ahead of CT-2025, Mitchell Marsh’s back issues and the sudden withdrawal of Mitchell Starc for personal reasons have left selectors scrambling for replacements.
The Australian squad is now facing the daunting challenge of maintaining their competitive edge without some of their frontline players.
South Africa
South Africa’s bowling attack has also faced significant casualties. Anrich Nortje ’s withdrawal due to a back injury has led to the inclusion of 30-year-old Corbin Bosch, who will step into the breach.
However, the team received yet another blow with Gerald Coetzee also ruled out due to groin tightness, raising concerns about the depth of their pace attack ahead of the crucial tournament. David Miller’s niggle adds to South Africa’s woes.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s hopes took a hit as 18-year-old sensation AM Ghazanfar was ruled out with a serious fracture in his L4 vertebra, a loss that will be deeply felt by the team.
England
Meanwhile, England’s Jacob Bethell has exited the squad due to a left hamstring injury, leading to Tom Banton being called up as his replacement, a move that may breathe fresh life into the team’s batting lineup.
New Zealand
A hamstring injury suffered in the ILT20 has put New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson in doubt for the Champions Trophy.
ALSO READ: Harshit Rana Replaces Jasprit Bumrah in Champions Trophy 2025
India
Adding to the drama, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has also been ruled out after sustaining a lower back injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney.
His absence is a significant blow to the Indian bowling attack, with fans anxiously awaiting news of his recovery.
