As per reports, Star Sports has asked ICC to turn the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy into a T20 competition. Many players would have planned their ODI careers considering the Champions Trophy as their last tournament. However, if it now becomes a T20 competition, the 2023 ODI World Cup will become the last event for many. Here, we take a look at three Australians who might retire from ODIs immediately if the 2025 Champions Trophy is played in the T20 format.
1) David Warner
David Warner might have had a plan to continue his ODI career after his performance in the World Cup. However, with him unlikely to play in 2027, it is better to drop from the ODI side now.
In T20s, he would continue to get a chance as an opener. The management would then get a chance to groom someone in ODIs as the future opener.
2) Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is one of the Australians who might retire from ODIs immediately if the 2025 Champions Trophy is played in the T20 format. Starc has not been great in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the 33-year-old would have backed himself to make a comeback in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In T20s, Starc’s place is not secure in the squad. He tends to leak runs at times and can be inconsistent at times. Therefore, white-ball formats seem to be a problem for the pacer right now. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see what he does after the World Cup.
3) Marcus Stoinis
Stoinis has not been a good performer in ODIs for a while now. If the 2025 Champions Trophy is made into a T20 tournament, Stoinis might, as well, quit ODIs.
The all-rounder might have to focus more on the T20 format. Someone like Cameron Green could get an extended run in ODIs to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
