New Delhi: Delhi Capitals’ chances of making the IPL 2025 playoffs have taken a major hit after Australian pace Mitchell Starc has reportedly decided not to return to India for the remainder of the tournament.
According to a report by the Australian Associated Press (AAP), Starc has informed the franchise of his decision a week after he played in the now-infamous Dharamsala match, which was abruptly suspended due to a security scare. The game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was called off midway following air raid alerts in the surrounding areas, sending shockwaves through the stadium.
While the IPL was briefly suspended following that incident, the BCCI confirmed the league’s resumption from May 17 after receiving clearance from the Indian government, following a ceasefire agreement amid border tensions with Pakistan.
Despite the green light to restart the tournament, Starc has chosen not to return as he wants to focus on the World Test Championship final. His absence will definitely leave a gaping hole in the DC’s bowling unit. The left-arm quick has been a standout performer this season, picking up 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 26.14, making him the franchise’s top wicket-taker so far.
The art 🎨
The artist 😎Mitchell Starc gets one on target ⚡️
Nicholas Pooran goes back after a breathtaking 75(30) 🔥
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Starc’s wife and Australian women’s cricket team captain Alyssa Healy recently opened up about the chaotic night in Dharamsala. Speaking on the ‘WillowTalk’ podcast, Healy recalled the confusion in the stands where she was seated with family and support staff.
She said, “Some of the light towers went out and we were just sitting there, unsure. Then a rumour spread that we might need to evacuate.” Healy added, “The guy who usually guides us to the team bus came rushing with a pale face and told us, ‘We need to leave right now.’ It was madness.”
Delhi Capitals’ problems
The franchise’s problems don’t end with Starc as another Aussie player, Jake Fraser-McGurk, is also not expected to return; his replacement has already been signed by the franchise by Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman. However, questions remain about Mustafizur’s availability, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board has reportedly not been approached for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Adding to the uncertainty, there is still no clarity on Faf du Plessis’ return, while Tristan Stubbs is expected to rejoin the squad only for the league stage before heading to the World Test Championship final.
With Starc’s departure and other availability issues, Delhi Capitals will have to dig deep to keep their playoff hopes alive as they are one of the top contenders to claim the trophy this season.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is Delhi Capitals’ top wicket-taker this season claiming 14 wickets from 11 matches. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
