ISLAMABAD: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has officially withdrawn from the remainder of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), opting not to return to India to re-join the Delhi Capitals (DC).
This decision follows his participation in the rain-affected match in Dharamsala, which is set to be replayed. According to media reports, Starc has informed the franchise of his unavailability for the rest of the tournament.
Starc, who leads Delhi’s wicket-taking tally this season with 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 26.14, will now have an uninterrupted preparation period ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Adding to Delhi’s woes, promising Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has also opted out of the remainder of the season.
Mega auction
Purchased for INR 9 crore (approximately USD 1.07 million) at the mega auction, Fraser-McGurk has confirmed that he will not be returning for the second half of the competition.
As a replacement, Delhi Capitals have signed Bangladesh’s left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman for INR 6 crore.
However, Rahman’s participation remains in doubt, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that it has not yet received a request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Rahman is currently in Sharjah, representing Bangladesh in a T20I series against the UAE.
Meanwhile, South African batter Tristan Stubbs has confirmed his return to the Delhi squad but will only be available for the remaining league matches before departing for the WTC final.
There is still no official word on whether Faf du Plessis will re-join the team.
Making individual decisions
Elsewhere in the IPL, several Australian players are making individual decisions regarding their return. Pat Cummins and Travis Head will re-join Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who are already out of playoff contention and will finish their campaign on 25 May.
This will allow both players sufficient time to prepare for the WTC final.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood is currently monitoring a shoulder issue before deciding, while wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has not yet confirmed his plans with Punjab Kings (PBKS).
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is expected to return to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp.
It is worth noting that Delhi Capitals currently sit fifth on the IPL 2025 points table, with six victories and four defeats from 11 matches, totalling 13 points as the race for the playoffs heats up.
