MUMBAI: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has opted out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 season with Delhi Capitals, following the temporary suspension of the tournament due to the India-Pakistan conflict.
Starc had been playing for Delhi in a match against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala when Pakistani drone activity near the border triggered a security scare, resulting in a blackout. Players were swiftly removed from the venue and transported to New Delhi via train the next day.
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According to AAP, the uncertain geopolitical situation has made Starc reluctant to return to India to complete the season. Instead, he will prepare in a calmer environment ahead of Australia’s World Test Championship final, which begins at Lord’s on June 11.
While Pat Cummins and Travis Head will rejoin Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Josh Hazlewood is still evaluating his fitness for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Starc’s withdrawal is a major blow to Delhi Capitals’ playoff hopes. The team has brought in Mustafizur Rahman to replace Jake Fraser-McGurk, who also declined to return.
Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, recently shared on the Willow Talk podcast:
“There was a lot of anxiety around the Australian group because we didn’t have a whole heap of information as to what was going on… That’s probably been the really interesting and probably the scariest part of this whole situation, the misinformation.”
According to AAP, Starc stands to lose a significant portion of his AUD 2.1 million IPL contract, potentially forfeiting up to $450,000 if Delhi doesn’t reach the playoffs—and even more if they do.
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