In a major blow to Delhi Capitals' playoff hopes, Australian speedster Mitchell Starc will not return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 following the recent suspension and rescheduling of the tournament. Starc, who had flown back to Australia along with other foreign players amid rising cross-border tensions, has reportedly informed the DC management of his unavailability for the remainder of the season.
The Australian pacers exit comes at a crucial stage for Delhi, who currently sit fifth on the points table with just two league matches left. The team, now led by Axar Patel, resumed training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday without their star pacer.
Starc’s withdrawal is a significant setback for the Capitals, who were relying on his experience and firepower for the crucial end-phase of the tournament. The left-arm seamer had been one of DC’s marquee signings this season and was expected to play a key role in their playoff push.
Reason behind Starc's withdrawal
The dramatic turn of events began on May 8, when the Capitals' match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala was abruptly called off due to a security threat. Alyssa Healy, Starc’s wife and Australia’s women's cricket captain, later revealed the intensity of the situation, recalling how players were hurriedly evacuated amid missile strike fears and a stadium blackout.
Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Healy described the moment as “controlled chaos,” saying players were crammed into vans and rushed away for safety. “I turned to Mitch and asked what was happening, and he just said, ‘missile strikes,’” Healy recounted.
How IPL teams are faring without star overseas players
With the IPL now operating under a revised schedule, several franchises are scrambling to adjust their squads due to international commitments and safety concerns. The BCCI has granted permission for temporary replacements.
