Punjab Kings all-rounder announced retirement before IPL 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy is a major cricket tournament featuring the world’s top eight One Day International teams. The 2025 edition will be held from February 19 to March 9, with matches in Pakistan and Dubai. Punjab Kings all-rounder announced retirement before IPL 2025.

Australia’s player and Punjab Kings seam-bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from ODIs with immediate effect, ending his international 50-over career at 74 matches. Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday that Stoinis will be available for selection in the T20Is, citing his decision to retire from the 50-over format to focus on T20 cricket.

Stoinis’ retirement from ODIs means CA will replace him with another player in Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. “Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey and I am grateful for every moment I have had in the green and gold. Representing my country at the highest level is something I will always cherish.

“It was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right time to step away from ODIs and focus fully on the next chapter of my career. I have a wonderful relationship with Ron (Andrew MacDonald) and I greatly appreciate his support. I will cheer for the boys in Pakistan,” Stoinis said in a CA statement.

Stoinis’ ten-year ODI career began against England at Old Trafford in 2015 and also played his first T20I on that tour. He had to wait until the following year to establish himself in Australia’s ODI side, taking three wickets with a whirlwind 146 against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Retirement: Champions Trophy last series

Stoinis was part of Australia’s ODI World Cup title win in India in 2023 and was selected as the country’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018–19. “Stoin has been an important part of our ODI setup for the last decade.” “He is not only a valuable player but an incredible person to have in the group.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB new captain name finally leaked

He is a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person. He should be congratulated for his ODI career and all his achievements,” said head coach Andrew MacDonald. With Stoinis retiring from ODIs just a fortnight before the start of the Champions Trophy, with injury concerns for Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, the National Selection Committee (NSP) will finalize the squad for the Champions Trophy after the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka, CA said.

Australia have already lost all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to a back injury and Stoinis’ withdrawal from the ODIs means four spots need to be filled in their 15-man squad for the eight-team event. Teams have until February 12 to submit their final 15-man squad for the tournament to the ICC. Australia have been drawn in Group B of the Champions Trophy along with Afghanistan, England and South Africa.

Marcus Stoinis represents Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Australian all-rounder was bought by the franchise for Rs. 11 crore in the 2025 IPL mega auction.