The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, eagerly awaited by cricket fans worldwide, will unfortunately miss the presence of some of the most lethal pacers in the game today.
Their absence not only changes the complexion of the tournament but also leaves their respective teams grappling with how to adapt without these bowling giants.
Here are the top five pacers who won’t be showcasing their skills at this prestigious event:
Jasprit Bumrah
India has been dealt a significant setback with the news that Jasprit Bumrah will miss the Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury.
This announcement from the BCCI has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, as Bumrah has been instrumental in India’s recent successes across formats.
Known for his unpredictable action, late swing, and an array of yorkers, Bumrah’s absence means India will lack a bowler who can change the game’s course in a matter of overs.
His ability to bowl at any stage of the innings, from new ball to death overs, gives opponents a sigh of relief but also challenges India’s bowling strategy in this high-octane tournament.
Pat Cummins
Another colossal blow to the tournament comes with Pat Cummins’ absence.
The Australian captain, who has been nursing an ankle injury since the tail end of the Test series against India, decided to stay back with his family, sidelining himself from the Champions Trophy.
Cummins has been the backbone of Australia’s bowling attack, offering both pace and leadership.
His absence leaves a void in the team’s morale and strategy, especially in conditions where his reverse swing and bounce could have been lethal.
Australia will now have to rely on their depth to find a new rhythm without one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc’s decision to step back from the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons adds to the list of top pacers who won’t feature in the tournament.
Starc, with his left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball prodigiously, has often been the game-changer for Australia in white-ball cricket.
His absence deprives the tournament of one of the most exciting opening spells and a bowler known for his devastating yorkers in the death overs.
This personal choice reflects the human side of sports, where life events sometimes take precedence over professional commitments, leaving fans and the team to adjust to a new dynamic.
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood’s journey to recovery has been fraught with setbacks, making his participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 impossible.
Having missed significant cricket due to side strains, calf injuries, and now a hip issue, Hazlewood’s consistent absence from the field has been a concern for Australia.
His methodical approach to line and length, coupled with his ability to bowl long spells, makes him an invaluable asset, especially in conditions where bowling can become a battle of endurance.
His absence means Australia loses another key component of their pace battery, forcing them to rely more on their emerging talents or to find a way to compensate for his experience and skill.
Anrich Nortje
South Africa’s fast bowling contingent will feel the pinch without Anrich Nortje, who has been ruled out due to a back injury.
Nortje, with his express pace and ability to generate bounce, has been a nightmare for batsmen around the world.
His absence from not just the Champions Trophy but also the SA20 league signifies a tough time for South African cricket, as they look to rebuild their pace attack.
Nortje’s raw speed and his knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures will be sorely missed, potentially affecting South Africa’s chances in the tournament.
The absence of these five pacers alters the narrative of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in profound ways.
Each of these bowlers brings something unique to the table – be it Bumrah’s versatility, Cummins’ leadership, Starc’s swing, Hazlewood’s consistency, or Nortje’s sheer pace.
Teams like India, Australia, and South Africa will need to innovate, perhaps promoting new talents or reshaping their strategies to cope with these gaps.
For the tournament itself, while the absence of these stars is a disappointment, it opens up opportunities for emerging bowlers to make their mark on the world stage.
The cricketing world will watch closely to see who steps up in the absence of these titans, how teams adapt, and whether new legends will be born from the challenges presented.
As we move closer to the tournament, the focus will not only be on who will win but also on how teams navigate the significant changes in their bowling line-ups.
