Mitchell Starc Opts Out of IPL 2025 as Delhi Capitals Face Squad Challenges

Mitchell Starc's Departure from IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has resumed after a temporary halt due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the Delhi Capitals have received disappointing news with the announcement that Mitchell Starc will not be returning for the remainder of the season. A viral video from the Delhi airport has surfaced, capturing the Australian fast bowler in a less-than-enthusiastic mood.

In the footage, Starc is seen outside the airport terminal, loading his bags onto a trolley when a fan tries to film him. Clearly annoyed, he turns to the fan and firmly instructs him to 'go away,' repeating the phrase three times during the brief clip.

This incident reportedly coincided with his exit from India, following his personal decision to withdraw from the tournament's continuation.

Delhi Capitals Prepare for Season Without Starc

As reported by a media outlet, Starc has informed the Delhi Capitals management of his decision not to return for the season's conclusion. Following the league's suspension, there was uncertainty regarding his participation, but the team is now gearing up for the latter stages of the tournament without him.

The squad, led by Axar Patel, resumed training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, with only Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera present among the overseas players. Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs are expected to join soon, while mentor Kevin Pietersen will return on May 16.

Mustafizur Rahman Joins Delhi Capitals

In addition to Starc's absence, the Delhi Capitals will also miss Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk for the rest of IPL 2025. The franchise has announced the signing of Mustafizur Rahman as his replacement.

“The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise Delhi Capitals today announced the signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who will be unavailable for the remainder of the TATA IPL 2025 season,” DC stated in a release.

However, Mustafizur's immediate availability is uncertain. He traveled to Dubai on Wednesday to participate in Bangladesh's T20I series against the UAE, scheduled for May 17 and 19. If he plays in both matches, he will only arrive in India by May 20, missing Delhi's next game against the Gujarat Titans on May 18.

The franchise is currently negotiating with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to secure an early release, as the BCB also receives a portion of his IPL contract.

Currently, the Delhi Capitals sit fifth in the IPL 2025 standings with six wins, four losses, and one no-result. Their last match against the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala will now be replayed in Jaipur on May 24. With three matches left, DC remains in a strong position to vie for a playoff spot, provided they win all three.