Revealed: Why Mitchell Starc decided not to take part in IPL 2025 resumption

Mitchell Starc, the top pacer for the Delhi Capitals and Australia, has made the decision not to play in India for the rest of the 2025 Indian Premier League. The team is in a race against time to either locate a replacement or rely on their current lineup to step up after his absence deals a serious hit to DC's bowling attack.

Following the IPL's suspension due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, Starc is among the well-known figures to choose not to participate in the tournament's May 17 reinstatement. The match versus Punjab Kings at Dharamshala, which was ultimately cancelled because of air strike alerts in regions close to the border, featured the seasoned left-arm bowler.

With 14 wickets in 11 games at an average of 26.14, Starc has emerged as DC's top wicket-taker and a key player in the campaign. His absence significantly hurts Delhi's already remote chances of making the playoffs.

His decision not to return to the league is due to the World Test Championship final, which Australia will be playing against South Africa from June 11. Australia's players are set to meet in the UK on 4 June to prepare for the defence of their world Test title. While his other Australian teammates will be returning to the league and then leave early, he has decided to step away completely. 

Mustafizur Rahman has been signed by DC to replace Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is not going back to India either, although he is more of a replacement for Starc. However, there are still questions over the left-arm seamer's ability to play because the Bangladesh Cricket Board has not given a no-objection certificate to the player yet.

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