Mitchell Starc refuses to come back for IPL 2025, leaving Delhi Capitals in lurch

Mitchell Starc, an Australian seamer, is said to have met with the Delhi Capitals (DC) management regarding his choice not to play in the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL 2025).  The Delhi Capitals, who are still competing for a postseason spot in the IPL, will suffer a significant setback before the playoffs.

There has been much talk in recent days about whether Australian players will rejoin the rest of the league.

The DC franchise had put a lot of trust in the pacer because he was a strong match performer.  He is allegedly concerned about recent developments in India, particularly drone operations from over the Pakistani border.

In addition to the long and stressful bus and train journey from Dharamsala to Delhi last week, he and fellow Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk were the most disturbed cricketers in the situation.

Mitchell Starc writes an email to Delhi Capitals confirming his decision

After keeping the Delhi Capitals squad on edge for over three days, the Australian pacer reportedly told them on Thursday that he would not be able to play.  He is said to have emailed the team confirming his decision not to return to India. 

The 35-year-old bowler, who cost Rs 11.75 crore to sign with the DC team, has taken 14 wickets at an average of 26 in 11 games this season. 

The DC team has undoubtedly benefited from his availability, especially considering that they are now barely outside of the playoffs.  The club is currently ranked fifth with 13 points after 11 games.

Given that they had signed an alternate option for Starc two days before Starc's declaration, Delhi might have been informed of his choice before he withdrew from the tournament.

Mustafizur Rahman, a left-arm pacer, has taken Jake Fraser-McGurk's place. Delhi has yet to announce who would replace Starc for the remainder of the competition.

Despite some doubts about his NOC, the 29-year-old left-arm seamer is allegedly available. Mustafizur has played in 54 games over seven seasons since making his IPL debut in 2016.

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