As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, several cricketing powerhouses are grappling with injury concerns affecting their star players. These updates highlight how injuries may influence the tournament’s landscape.
- Australia relies on Cummins and Hazlewood, while Green’s absence is a setback.
- India’s pace attack hinges on Bumrah’s fitness.
- South Africa faces a significant loss in Nortje but gains strength with Ngidi’s return.
- England banks on Wood’s recovery to bolster their squad.
- Afghanistan adapts with Ghazanfar replacing Mujeeb.
- Pakistan’s hopes rest on Ayub’s recovery timeline.
Key Player Injuries Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Australia’s Injury Concerns
Australia faces a mixed bag of fitness issues ahead of the Champions Trophy. Their top players’ recoveries are crucial for their campaign.
Pat Cummins Injury Update
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins is currently managing a sore ankle, which has raised concerns about his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE. National selector George Bailey indicated that Cummins is set to undergo scans to assess the severity of the injury, stating, “There’s a little bit of work to do… I think in the next week or so he’s got a scan coming, and we’ll probably get a bit more information around where that’s at.”
Despite the injury, Cummins has been named captain for Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. However, selectors have included all-rounder Beau Webster on standby, suggesting contingency plans are in place should Cummins be unable to participate.
Cummins’ performance has been noteworthy; during the recent 3-1 Test series victory against India, he bowled 167 overs—the most by an Australian bowler—and took 25 wickets at an average of 21.36.
The Australian cricket community is awaiting the results of Cummins’ medical assessments to determine his availability for the Champions Trophy.
Josh Hazlewood Injury Update
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has faced a series of injuries recently. After missing the second Test against India in Adelaide due to a side strain, he returned for the third Test at the Gabba. Unfortunately, during the warm-up on day four, Hazlewood suffered a calf injury, which led to his withdrawal from the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Despite these setbacks, Hazlewood has been included in Australia’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, indicating optimism about his recovery. However, reports suggest that he is unlikely to be fit in time for Australia’s Test tour to Sri Lanka, set to begin on January 29, 2025.
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding Hazlewood’s availability for the Sri Lanka tour. His inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad suggests a positive outlook, but his participation will depend on his recovery progress. Fans and selectors alike are hopeful for his swift return to full fitness.
Cameron Green: Ruled Out
Cameron Green, a vital all-rounder, underwent back surgery due to a stress fracture. Unfortunately, his six-month recovery timeline means he will miss the Champions Trophy entirely. His absence leaves a gap in both the batting and bowling departments.
India’s Fitness Dilemmas
India’s Champions Trophy preparations are clouded by uncertainty surrounding a key player.
Updated Jasprit Bumrah Injury Report (as of February 5, 2025)
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star fast bowler, is undergoing critical medical evaluations at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after arriving on February 3. Scans and fitness assessments supervised by the BCCI medical team will determine his availability for the Champions Trophy 2025, with a final decision expected within 2–3 days. The findings will be submitted to the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, who faces a tight deadline to finalize India’s squad by February 11.
Bumrah’s absence from the updated ODI squad for the three-match series against England (February 6–12) has heightened concerns. Initially, he was ruled out of the first two ODIs due to a mandated five-week rest period following the Sydney Test injury on January 5. However, his complete exclusion from the squad suggests lingering complications. Harshit Rana remains as cover, though the team management is cautiously optimistic about Bumrah’s recovery.
The Champions Trophy participation hangs in the balance, with Bumrah’s provisional inclusion dependent on his fitness clearance. Experts like Ravi Shastri warn that India’s chances of winning the tournament could drop by 30–35% without Bumrah, given his unmatched ability to deliver in high-pressure death overs. If ruled out, Harshit Rana is likely to replace him, though the team’s bowling attack would lack Bumrah’s experience and skill.
Bumrah’s injury timeline adds to the uncertainty. He suffered back spasms on the final day of the Sydney Test (January 5) and was advised a five-week rest, aligning his potential return to mid-February. However, his history of back injuries has complicated recovery projections, with the NCA emphasizing caution to avoid long-term setbacks.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami’s return to the ODI squad after a year-long hiatus due to ankle surgery offers a silver lining. Shami’s performance in the England series will be closely monitored, as he could step into a leadership role in the bowling attack if Bumrah remains unavailable. Team India’s schedule remains packed, with the squad departing for Dubai on February 15 ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on February 19.
Ravi Shastri and other analysts have urged the selectors to prioritize Bumrah’s long-term fitness over short-term gains, stressing the risks of rushing his return. Fans and experts alike await the NCA’s final assessment, with real-time updates available via BCCI announcements or trusted sports outlets.
South Africa’s Setbacks
South Africa enters the tournament with both bad and good news regarding their squad.
Anrich Nortje: A Major Blow
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. His absence weakens South Africa’s bowling attack, and the team is yet to announce his replacement.
Lungi Ngidi: Ready for Action
South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was sidelined due to a groin injury in November 2024, has been named in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, indicating his recovery. Ngidi had been ruled out of the home Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan after scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy. His inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad suggests he has completed his rehabilitation and is fit to return to international cricket.
England’s Hopeful Comeback
England’s pace attack faces a challenge, but there is hope on the horizon.
Mark Wood: Eyes on Return
Mark Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of 2024 due to a bone stress injury in his right elbow, discovered during a routine check after he sustained a minor thigh strain in the first Test against Sri Lanka. The injury does not require surgery, and he is currently undergoing rest and rehabilitation with the ECB medical team. His recovery timeline targets a return to full fitness by early 2025, aligning with England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.
Wood’s absence will significantly impact England’s upcoming Test tours of Pakistan (October 2024) and New Zealand (December 2024). His injury exacerbates challenges in England’s pace attack, compounded by the retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, as well as ongoing injuries to key bowlers like Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue. Despite these setbacks, Wood remains determined to return, emphasizing his commitment to “put in all the hard yards behind the scenes” to deliver his trademark pace in 2025.
Notably, Wood has already been named in England’s 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he is expected to form a potent pace trio with Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. This injury adds to his history of fitness struggles, including prior elbow surgeries in 2022 and recurring ankle and back issues. However, Wood has maintained strong form in recent years, taking 29 Test wickets since 2023 at an average of 29.00. England’s management views him as a critical asset for the 2025-26 Ashes tour, where his express pace could prove decisive on Australian pitches.
Wood expressed surprise at the injury, stating, “I’ve been playing Test cricket and kept my speeds up. I work incredibly hard on my fitness… but I’ll be backfiring in 2025!” His inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad, led by Jos Buttler, bolsters England’s bid for redemption after their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign. For further updates, the ECB and outlets like Wisden will provide ongoing coverage of his rehabilitation and England’s preparations.
Afghanistan’s Replacement Strategy
Afghanistan has made adjustments to its squad due to injuries.
Mujeeb Ur Rehman: A Missed Opportunity
Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman sustained a hand injury, ruling him out of the tournament. AM Ghazanfar has been named as his replacement, stepping in to fill the void.
Pakistan’s Young Star in Doubt
Pakistan faces uncertainty regarding one of its promising talents.
Saim Ayub Injury Updates
Pakistan’s opening batter, Saim Ayub, suffered a right ankle fracture during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on January 3, 2025. Initially expected to face a six-month rehabilitation period, recent medical evaluations in London have revised his recovery timeline. After specialists removed his plaster cast by late January, Ayub began weight-bearing exercises and entered a rehabilitation program supervised by sports orthopedic experts. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the injury, while significant, is “not very serious” and does not require surgery. Doctors estimate a 3–4 week recovery period post-plaster removal, but the PCB has opted for a cautious approach to safeguard his long-term fitness.
Despite Ayub’s progress, the PCB officially ruled him out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy (starting February 19) to avoid jeopardizing his career. Fakhar Zaman, the 2017 Champions Trophy hero, has been named as his replacement. The board emphasized Ayub’s importance to Pakistan’s future plans, with Naqvi calling him a “valuable asset” and prioritizing his full recovery over rushed returns. Former captain Shahid Afridi also urged Ayub to focus on rehabilitation, cautioning against premature comebacks.
Ayub, who averaged 78.33 in ODIs before the injury, is expected to resume light training soon but will remain sidelined from competitive cricket until late February or early March. The PCB has not disclosed specific details about the medical team involved, diverging from earlier mentions of Dr. Jeyaseelan and Dr. David Redfern. Final squad decisions for the Champions Trophy, announced on January 31, confirmed his exclusion, with Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq retained as alternatives. The board continues to monitor his recovery closely, ensuring he receives all necessary resources for a successful return.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
