Kathmandu, Feb 5:  Australia’s captain Pat Cummins is facing uncertainty ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to an injury, raising concerns over his availability for the tournament.

Speaking on Wednesday, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins has not yet resumed bowling, making it unlikely that he will be fit in time for the competition.

“It’s almost impossible for him to play at this stage. In such a situation, we need a captain. Steve Smith and Travis Head are two players we will look to for leadership,” McDonald said.

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, who sustained an injury during Australia’s tour of India, is also struggling to recover in time for the tournament.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Australia, placed in Group 2, will compete against England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Their first match is set against host nation Pakistan on February 20.

Cummins played a key role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory and was also the leading wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Australia defeated India 3-1.

Leadership Alternatives

If Cummins is unavailable, Steve Smith or Travis Head are the frontrunners to captain the Australian squad in the tournament.