Pat Cummins doubtful for Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury concerns

Australian captain, Pat Cummins, is facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury sustained during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India. Cummins, who bowled 167 overs and claimed 25 wickets at an average of 21.36 in the series, is currently on paternity leave following the birth of his second child. He is scheduled to undergo scans in the coming days to assess the severity of his ankle issue.

George Bailey, Australia’s Chief Selector, addressed the situation, stating, “Pat’s obviously on paternity leave for the next little bit. He’s got a little bit of a sore ankle as well, so in the next week or so, he’s got a scan coming, and we’ll get a bit more information around where that’s at.”

The potential absence of Cummins from the Champions Trophy, set to commence on February 19 across Pakistan and the UAE, poses a significant challenge for the Australian squad. Cummins has been a pivotal figure in Australia’s bowling attack, and his leadership has been instrumental in recent successes. Bailey expressed hope for a positive outcome but acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “Not really sure yet. We’ll have to wait and see where that scan comes back and where it’s tracking.”

In addition to Cummins, fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood has been recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him during parts of the Border-Gavaskar series. Bailey provided an optimistic update on Hazlewood’s progress, noting, “Josh is working really hard, and all the news on how he’s responding to his recovery from the calf injury is coming along really well.”

As the Australian team prepares for the Champions Trophy, the fitness of key players like Cummins and Hazlewood remains a focal point. The outcomes of upcoming medical assessments will be crucial in determining the squad’s composition and strategy for the tournament.