Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has officially opted out of the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, citing security concerns amid rising regional tensions.
According to Australian media, Starc has informed his franchise, Delhi Capitals, about his decision to not rejoin the tournament. His decision reportedly stems from the current geopolitical unrest in the region. Starc was part of the controversial match in Dharamshala, which was interrupted by a blackout, and his wife, Alyssa Healy, had publicly criticized the situation in a recent interview.
On the other hand, fellow Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is expected to continue participating in the league despite a shoulder niggle. He will rejoin Royal Challengers Bangalore before the playoffs.
Amid increasing India-Pakistan tensions, the IPL 2025 was temporarily suspended last Friday and is now set to resume on May 17, with the remaining matches scheduled until June 3.
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has recalled all its IPL players to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia in June. Despite the BCCI’s request for the South African players to remain until the end of the IPL, CSA denied the plea, emphasizing the importance of the WTC Final.
CSA head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that while discussions with IPL organizers continue, the South African board is firm on its decision to prioritize the WTC Final.
