With just 13 days remaining until the ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the “mini World Cup,” Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has unexpectedly announced his retirement from ODI cricket. As a result, he will not be part of the upcoming tournament.
In his retirement statement, Stoinis said, “Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey. Every moment wearing the green and gold has been a matter of pride for me. Representing my country at the highest level is something I will cherish forever.”
Acknowledging that the decision was not an easy one, he further added, “It was a tough call, but I believe this is the right time to step away and focus on the next chapter of my career. I have a great relationship with Ron (Andrew McDonald), and I am extremely grateful for his support.”
It is widely speculated that Stoinis is stepping away from ODIs to prioritize T20 cricket and franchise leagues, where he remains in high demand across the globe.