Mitchell Starc took 14 wickets in 10 innings at an average of 26.14 in IPL 2025. Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mitchell Starc explained why he chose not to return to India for the final phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He said he was at peace with his decision, and once the league was suspended, he shifted his focus to red-ball cricket.
IPL 2025 was interrupted midway due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The tournament was paused for about a week after the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was halted, following a Pakistani attack on the Pathankot region in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the suspension, most overseas players returned to their home countries. However, when the IPL resumed, several of them, citing security concerns, chose not to come back—among them was Australian pacer Mitchell Starc.
Starc had been a crucial player for Delhi Capitals, and his absence left a significant gap in the team. It proved costly, as the Axar Patel-led side failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing fourth in the league stage.
Mitchell Starc has expressed that he is at ease with his decision and how the entire situation was managed, which ultimately led him to skip the IPL 2025. Speaking to NDTV, he said:
“I’m comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and the way it was handled. That’s why I made my decision afterward, and I shifted my focus to red-ball cricket about a week before coming here.”
He also acknowledged that there may be consequences or reactions regarding players who chose not to return, but emphasized that his concerns before the game and the events that followed influenced his choice.
“Time will tell what the repercussions might be or how it’s perceived for those who didn’t return. But I had my doubts and concerns going into that game, and what happened there definitely played a role in my decision.”
Starc further revealed that the upcoming final of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 also influenced his decision-making. He added: “My decision was also slightly influenced by the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan. And when the tournament was postponed, thoughts turned to how players would prepare for the Test match.”
In IPL 2025, Starc claimed 14 wickets from 10 innings at an average of 26.14. He will next be seen in action as Australia faces South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship final, starting June 11.
