Mitchell Starc Withdraws from IPL 2025 Amid Security Concerns
Mitchell Starc's Departure from IPL 2025
As the IPL 2025 season prepares to resume, the Delhi Capitals have faced a significant setback with the announcement that Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not continue for the remainder of the tournament. The 18th edition of the IPL was put on hold for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to pause the ongoing season after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly called off due to security alerts following air raid warnings in nearby areas such as Pathankot, Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Ankhnoor. Following this suspension, several international players, including Australians, opted to leave India and return home.
With the IPL 2025 set to restart on May 17, featuring a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru, uncertainty looms over the return of overseas players. Many are hesitant to come back due to national obligations and security issues, leading some to skip the remaining league matches and playoffs.
Uncertainty Surrounding Starc's Return
After Australian players returned home following the IPL's temporary suspension, the prospects of Mitchell Starc returning to India became unclear. His manager informed the Australian media that Starc would not be making the trip back.
According to a report from a local media outlet, Starc confirmed his unavailability for the rest of the IPL 2025 season to the Delhi Capitals management. His absence will pose a challenge for the team as they aim for a playoff spot. The team, led by Axar Patel, has resumed training at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with only Dushmantha Chameera among the overseas players present.
Reports indicate that South African players Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs, along with mentor Kevin Pietersen, are expected to join the Delhi Capitals squad on May 16. Additionally, Jack Fraser-McGurk has been ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2025, with Mustafizur Rahim signed as his replacement.
Reasons Behind Starc's Withdrawal
While the specific reasons for Mitchell Starc's withdrawal from IPL 2025 were not detailed in the report, many speculate that the air raid alerts during the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals significantly influenced his decision. Concerns regarding personal safety and the unpredictable geopolitical climate likely led the Australian pacer to prioritize his well-being.
Starc's wife, Alyssa Healy, shared insights into the situation, recalling how players from both teams were quickly ushered to safety. She recounted, "I turned to Mitch and asked what was happening, and he just said, 'missile strikes.'"
In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Mitchell Starc has made a notable impact, taking 14 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, with an average of 26.14 across 11 matches.