Delhi Capitals and Australia’s premier pacer Mitchell Starc has decided against returning to India for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. His absence delivers a significant blow to DC’s bowling attack and forces the franchise into a race against time to either find a replacement or rely on their existing roster to step up.
Starc becomes one of the prominent names to opt out of the IPL’s resumption on May 17, after the tournament was halted due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. The veteran left-arm pacer had been part of the match against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, which was eventually called off due to air strike alerts in areas near the border.
His decision to skip the remainder of the IPL clears the path for an uninterrupted preparation for the World Test Championship Final, where Australia will face South Africa at Lord’s starting June 11.
Delhi Capitals have already suffered the loss of Jake Fraser-McGurk, who also decided not to return. The franchise had signed Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement, but his arrival remains uncertain as the Bangladesh Cricket Board is yet to issue him a No Objection Certificate. Bangladesh are currently engaged in a T20I against UAE in Sharjah.
The situation remains fluid regarding overseas players returning for the final leg of IPL 2025. While DC await clarity on Faf du Plessis’ availability, South African youngster Tristan Stubbs has confirmed his return — but only for the remainder of the league stage, should the team qualify for the playoffs.
Starc’s absence is a massive setback for Delhi, as he is the side’s highest wicket-taker this season, with 14 wickets in 11 matches. With crucial fixtures against Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings ahead, his unavailability adds to the growing uncertainty around DC’s playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, Starc’s compatriot Josh Hazlewood is expected to return to India to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite nursing a shoulder niggle that ruled him out of RCB’s last clash against Chennai Super Kings.