Several important players will be absent from the ICC Champions Trophy 2024 due to unexpected injuries and other factors, leaving many teams to compete without their top talent. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players who won’t be participating.

Jasprit Bumrah

One of the biggest names not making the cut is Jasprit Bumrah, who’s really made a name for himself as one of the top bowlers in international cricket. Unfortunately, his back injury from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hasn’t healed as quickly as India had hoped. The team will definitely feel the absence of their star pace bowler, who has been outstanding across all formats. Harshit Rana, who doesn’t have as much experience, has been brought in to fill his shoes.

Pat Cummins

The Australian captain is part of the well-known pace-bowling trio that often gets compared, but this time he’s not in the mix, leaving Kagiso Rabada as the sole representative in Pakistan. Cummins had to skip the current tour in Sri Lanka because of paternity leave, and now an injury has sidelined him from the Champions Trophy too. Australia will definitely miss not just his bowling skills but also his leadership on the field.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc won't be playing in the Champions Trophy, as Cricket Australia revealed he’s out for personal reasons. He’s one of the top fast bowlers globally and really shines in high-pressure situations, making him a game-changer when it counts. On the bright side, this gives Australia a chance to give Spencer Johnson some big tournament experience as they look for Starc’s long-term replacement.

Josh Hazlewood

With Josh Hazlewood out due to injury, Australia’s three-headed pace attack is missing a key piece. This means Steven Smith will be leading a fresh and somewhat inexperienced squad in Pakistan, especially when it comes to the bowling lineup. Hazlewood played a crucial role for Australia during the World Cup in India, helping them secure victories in the semifinal and final by restricting runs and creating opportunities for wickets to tumble, whether from his own bowling or from the other end.

Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee just can't catch a break with injuries. He really made a name for himself in the World Cup with some impressive performances, giving South Africa a solid edge in their bowling lineup. Now, with Anrich Nortje out, the team is counting on Kagiso Rabada to lead the pace attack in the Champions Trophy.

Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell faced some tough luck just before his first ICC tournament with England. The talented left-handed batsman was expected to make a splash with his batting skills, but he’s also proven to be quite effective with the ball. His spin bowling could have been a key advantage for an England side that really needs a solid second spinner alongside Adil Rashid. Without Bethell, England seems a bit off-kilter, and his absence might be a significant blow in this tournament.

Saim Ayub

That's a tough break for the home team. Saim Ayub seemed like he could be Pakistan's next big star, and he's shown a lot of promise early on. In just nine ODIs, the 22-year-old has already hit three centuries and boasts an impressive average of over 64. As Pakistan gears up to defend their Champions Trophy title, Ayub's ankle injury poses a challenge they need to address before the league starts.

Allah Ghazanfar

A young rising star who won’t get to make his debut in the tournament is Afghanistan. They really can’t afford any major injuries if they hope to pull off some surprises and make an impact. Ghazanfar, a tall and lethal spinner, has proven he can trap opposing batters in tricky situations. Pairing him with Rashid Khan in the middle overs would have been a nightmare for any team. Unfortunately, the teenager has a spinal injury that will sideline him for at least four months.

Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis is another Aussie player who won’t be participating, as he recently announced his retirement from ODIs, even though he was initially included in the squad. Since then, he’s seen his potential teammates bow out of the tournament one after another. Stoinis brought some much-needed versatility and power to the team, which Australia might really miss, especially with Mitchell Marsh already sidelined due to his own injury issues.

Read Also: BCCI Draws the Line as Senior Player Asks to Bring Family to Champions Trophy

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