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Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not return to participate in the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, multiple reports confirmed on Friday. His decision comes after the tournament was briefly suspended last week due to a deadly flare-up between India and Pakistan.
The brief but intense conflict, involving drone, missile, and artillery exchanges from May 7, claimed around 70 lives, including many civilians, and caused significant disruption across the region.
Security Concerns Prompt Starc’s Exit
Starc was playing for the Delhi Capitals when a match in Dharamsala was suddenly abandoned. Officials initially cited floodlight failure as the reason. However, the city is less than 200 kilometres from Jammu, where explosions were reported just hours earlier.
The stadium was quickly evacuated, and players, including the 35-year-old fast bowler, were escorted out in team buses amid heightened security concerns. According to Australian media outlets, Starc has informed his team he will not return to India for the remainder of the season.
The move will allow Starc to focus on preparing for Australia’s World Test Championship final against South Africa, set to take place on June 11 at Lord’s in London.
There has been no official confirmation yet from the Delhi Capitals or the IPL regarding his exit.
Other Australians Return, but Uncertainty Remains
Despite Starc’s withdrawal, Australia captain Pat Cummins and top-order batter Travis Head are reportedly planning to return to India and rejoin their IPL squads. However, the availability of other Australian players remains unclear amid tight schedules and ongoing security concerns.
IPL Resumption & Revised Schedule
The IPL is set to resume on Saturday, but the conflict and subsequent pause have disrupted the tournament’s flow. The playoffs will now begin on May 29, with the final pushed back to June 3, nine days later than originally planned.
Rashford to miss final two games of Aston Villa’s season
Despite the chaos, Gujarat Titans remain top of the league table and are almost certain to qualify for the playoffs.
England Stars to Exit Early: Buttler Among Them
The IPL’s revised schedule has also clashed with England’s international cricket calendar, prompting multiple players to cut short their campaigns.
Star wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, will depart after the group stage to be available for England’s ODI series against the West Indies. He will be replaced by Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis, who will join the team for the playoff rounds if Rajasthan qualifies.
Additionally, rising England all-rounders Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, who represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, are also expected to leave the IPL early, according to the BBC.
Scheduling Conflicts Loom Over T20 Leagues
The IPL’s prestige and commercial pull remain strong, but the ongoing clashes with national team commitments — especially in a year packed with bilateral series and ICC events — continue to strain player availability.
As more stars depart before the crucial knockout stages, the IPL’s competitive balance and viewer appeal could be affected, raising further questions about scheduling in an increasingly crowded global cricket calendar.
