Bringing together the top teams to vie for triumph, the Champions Trophy 2025 is one of the most anticipated cricket competitions. Fans can't wait to see their favorite cricket players play, but not all of the best players will be competing. Due to injuries, retirements, or team selection decisions, several well-known players will not be included. Their absence will undoubtedly affect both their teams and the competition. Star Cricketers Not Playing in Champions Trophy 2025 Sno Country Players 1 Australia Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood 2 India Jasprit Bumrah 3 South Africa Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee 4 England Jacob Bethell 5 New Zealand Lockie Ferguson 6 Afghanistan Allah Ghazanfar 7 Pakistan Haris Rauf Australia Pat Cummins had to choose between playing in the Champions Trophy or focusing on his family and injury recovery before the World Test Championship. In the end, he decided to skip the tournament. Soon after, Mitchell Starc also withdrew for personal reasons. Apart from them, Marcus Stoinis unexpectedly announced his retirement, leading to another key player missing the tournament. Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood also had to pull out due to injuries. Also Read | Watch: Pakistani Fans Chant ‘Kohli...Kohli...’ After Tri-Series Final Loss to New Zealand India Due to Jasprit Bumrah's absence from the team, India would be without one of its top bowlers in the Champions Trophy. He is an important player, particularly in crucial games, therefore his absence is a major blow to the squad. India has won numerous matches because of Bumrah's ball-handling prowess, and the bowling attack would be weaker without him. India will now need to figure out how to function without him, even if his skill and expertise would have been very beneficial. South Africa South Africa will be without two of their main fast bowlers, Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee. Coetzee was not in the initial squad due to injury but was later included for the Tri-Series against Pakistan and New Zealand. Unfortunately, he got injured again and will miss the Champions Trophy. England Jacob Bethell suffered a hamstring injury during England’s tour of India. As a result, he was replaced by Tom Banton in the squad. New Zealand Lockie Ferguson was already doubtful for the tournament after picking up an injury in the ILT20 2025. Rachin Ravindra also suffered a facial injury during the first ODI of the Tri-Series against Pakistan. His availability for the Champions Trophy is still uncertain. Also Read | Watch: Ellyse Perry’s Iconic FIFA World Cup Knockout Goal Resurfaces Afghanistan Afghanistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 saw a last-minute change when Allah Ghazanfar was removed on February 12. Pakistan Haris Rauf has been named in Pakistan’s squad, but his participation in the tournament is still uncertain. He was not part of the squad for the Tri-Series, raising doubts about his fitness. Conclusion Both teams and fans will be missing these elite players as the Champions Trophy 2025 draws near. Their expertise and abilities have influenced many memorable games in the past, so it will be odd to see them off the field. Younger and more inexperienced players, however, also have an opportunity to shine on the main stage. There are always surprises in cricket, and the competition is sure to be thrilling and competitive even without these well-known players.