Big blow to Delhi Capitals! Mitchell Starc may not return when IPL 2025 resumes

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was suspended for a week after the escalation on India-Pakistan border last week following Operation Sindoor. The match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was cancelled midway in Dharamsala as there were attempts of air raids in neighbouring cities. While the overseas players flew back home or to UAE, the IPL franchises may now face problems getting them back post ceasefire.

The overseas players' return is not confirmed even after ceasefire as the one-week suspension means that they will have less time to prepare for their national commitments. As per a report by Australia's News Nine, DC's left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc who was picked for 11.75 crore, may not return for the remainder of the IPL. The Australian news outlet said that Starc's manager informed them about the development.

On May 11, the Sports Tak reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked all the IPL franchises to talk to their players and assemble at their respective venues for the resumption of the tournament. The revised schedule for the remaining matches will be announce in due course. Also, PBKS will not play their home matches in Dharamsala or Mullanpur.

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Starc's numbers in IPL 2025

Starc has been expensive as he has conceded runs at 10.23 runs per over but he is DC's leading wicket-taker. Starc has 14 wickets including a five-wicket haul. The match against PBKS which was cancelled, the left-arm pacer had conceded 23 runs from two overs.

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WTC final a reason for Starc not returning?

The final of the tournament is likely to be played either on May 30 or June 1. If DC reach the final, this will leave Starc with little over a week to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa which is scheduled to start on June 11.

The other Australian player DC have in their squad is Jake Fraser-McGurk. The young opener does not have any national commitments. Also, he has been warming the bench after managing to score 55 runs from six innings.

Meanwhile, it is confirmed that the match between DC and PBKS will restart. The date of the match is not confirmed. Currently, DC are placed fifth on the points table with 13 points from 11 games.