No Mitchell Starc in IPL 2025! Delhi Capitals Pacer Unlikely to Return: Report
Mitchell Starc, Delhi Capitals’ Rs 11.75 crore signing for IPL 2025, is unlikely to return for the remainder of the season after leaving India amid the tournament’s week-long suspension. The left-arm pacer, who has taken 14 wickets in 12 matches this season, flew back to Australia on Friday, May 9, with wife Alyssa Healy. While the IPL 2025 is expected to resume around May 16 or 17, reports from Australian media suggest that Starc may not return at all.
His manager told 9News that due to the current conflict and personal priorities, a comeback looks doubtful. Starc landed in Sydney on Sunday but chose not to engage with the press. His decision may soon be echoed by other Australian players, as several are reportedly reconsidering their participation in the league.
This situation could potentially affect IPL contracts, but for now, franchises remain silent. Former Australia captain Mark Taylor supported the players, saying, “We are talking about people’s livelihoods, their mental and physical health. That takes precedence over money.”
Starc, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders despite a Player of the Match performance in both Qualifier 1 and the final of IPL 2024, had been a vital asset for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. He made an immediate impact, grabbing 3/42 on debut against Lucknow Super Giants and followed it up with a stunning 5/35 against Sunrisers Hyderabad – a feat that made him the first DC pacer to take a five-wicket haul in IPL history.
However, his form dipped in the middle of the season, managing only three wickets across seven matches. He bounced back against his former franchise KKR, with figures of 3/43 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 29.
Starc’s absence will be a huge blow to Delhi Capitals as the tournament resumes. With the business end of the season approaching, DC will need to reshuffle their bowling attack and possibly rely more on Indian seamers or bring in an overseas replacement.
As the situation develops, the impact of Starc’s potential permanent absence may ripple through both the team’s performance and IPL’s approach to foreign player contracts.
