The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will miss 5 deadly pacers: Bumrah, Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Nortje. Their absence leaves significant gaps in India, Australia, and South Africa’s bowling attacks. Teams will need to adapt, offering opportunities for emerging bowlers to step up and create new challenges.
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah’s exclusion from the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury is a major blow to India. The fast bowler has been integral to India’s successes across formats, known for his lethal yorkers, late swing, and ability to bowl under pressure. His versatility in handling any phase of the game, from the new ball to death overs, has been a game-changer. Without him, India will face a significant challenge in the high-pressure environment of the Champions Trophy.
2. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins’ absence from the 2025 Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury and his decision to prioritize family is a huge setback for Australia. As the team’s leader and a key pacer, Cummins’ reverse swing and bounce were crucial assets. His injury leaves a significant gap in Australia’s strategy, and the team must now find a new rhythm without one of the world’s top fast bowlers.
3. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc’s withdrawal from the 2025 Champions Trophy due to personal reasons further weakens Australia’s pace attack. Known for his left-arm pace and swinging deliveries, Starc has been a key figure in Australia’s white-ball success. His absence removes a significant weapon, especially in opening spells and death overs. This decision highlights the balance athletes must strike between personal life and professional commitments, leaving both the team and fans to adapt.
4. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood’s ongoing injury struggles, including side strains, calf issues, and now a hip problem, will keep him out of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Known for his disciplined line and length, Hazlewood has been a vital figure in Australia’s attack. His absence leaves a gap in Australia’s pace department, prompting the team to lean on emerging talents or adapt strategies to fill his role.
5. Anrich Nortje
South Africa faces a significant blow with Anrich Nortje’s absence from the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a back injury. Known for his express pace and bounce, Nortje has been a key figure in South Africa’s bowling attack. His injury, alongside missing the SA20 league, leaves a gap in their pace department, impacting their chances in the tournament. Nortje’s ability to take crucial wickets at pivotal moments will be sorely missed.
The absence of these five pacers creates a major shift in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Each bowler’s unique strengths—Bumrah’s versatility, Cummins’ leadership, Starc’s swing, Hazlewood’s consistency, and Nortje’s pace—will be missed. Teams like India, Australia, and South Africa must adapt, potentially turning to emerging talents. While disappointing, their absence opens opportunities for new bowlers to shine. The tournament will not just focus on victories but also on how teams navigate these changes and which new legends emerge.