Marcus Stoinis shocks Australia with immediate retirement after being named to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad
Australia Cricket Team has been jolted with yet another blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Star All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from the ODIs with immediate effect as he made his decision public on Thursday (6th February).
Marcus Stoinis' decision comes a month after he was named in the Australian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This comes as a shock because not many expected him to retire suddenly especially after he was named in the squad for the eight-nation tournament.
This leaves a massive void in the Australia team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as they now will be without their key all-rounder. The ICC World Cup 2023 winners will now need four replacements in their side as Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are already ruled out due to injuries.
Marcus Stoinis has been a stalwart of the Australia Cricket in the white-ball cricket. He has played a vital role for the team ever since he made his debut. His ability to single-handedly win the games will be one of the key things that will be missed in the Australian team now.
Marcus Stoinis made his debut in ODIs in 2015 and played 71 games in the format. The all-rounder mustered 1495 runs and picked 48 wickets in the format. He played a vital role for the team in the ICC World Cup 2023 and also was Australia's ODI cricketer of the year in 2018-19.
This wasn't an easy decision, but I believe it's the right time for me to step away from ODIs - Marcus Stoinis on his retirement
Talking about his decision to retire, Marcus Stoinis said that it wasn't an easy decision for him to take, but he feels that it will be the right time for him to step away. He mentioned that he will be focusing on the next phase of his career. He stated:
"Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for every moment I've had in the green and gold. Representing my country at the highest level is something I'll always cherish.
"This wasn't an easy decision, but I believe it's the right time for me to step away from ODIs and fully focus on the next chapter of my career. I've got a fantastic relationship with Ron (Andrew McDonald) and I've hugely appreciated his support,"
With Marcus Stoinis retiring from the ODIs, it means that Australia will have to name a replacement for him in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Beau Webster also has been in the news, and it is likely that he will be added to the team.
Also Read: Varun Chakravarthy's participation in ICC Champions 2025 all but confirmed
