IPL 2025: Jake Fraser-McGurk Opts Out of Delhi Capitals Return Amid Security Concerns; Mitchell Starc Also Uncertain
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 gears up for its resumption on May 17, a significant blow hits Delhi Capitals with the news that Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk will not be returning to the squad. The young batter, deeply affected by a security incident during the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala, remains shaken and has chosen to prioritize his well-being over continuing in the tournament.
The incident, which led to the match being halted midway due to undisclosed security threats, left a lasting impact on the 23-year-old. Fraser-McGurk’s coach, Shanon Young, spoke to TimesofIndia.com, revealing the emotional toll it took on the young player. ‘I’m honestly not sure if he’ll return. He is still tossing up a decision. I spoke to him this morning, and he remains deeply unsettled,’ Young said. He added, ‘As the youngest among the touring players, Jake was visibly shaken, especially after the evacuation and the subsequent journey back to Delhi. It was a lot for him to handle.’
Young, who was present in Dharamsala during the ordeal, praised the Delhi Capitals management for their exemplary handling of the situation. ‘The staff and organization were incredible. Our safety was their priority from the moment chaos erupted. Their support during such uncertainty was commendable,’ he noted. Despite this, Fraser-McGurk’s mental state remains fragile, and his return to the IPL seems unlikely for the remainder of the season.
In response to this setback, Delhi Capitals have moved swiftly, signing Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman as Fraser-McGurk’s replacement at a reported fee of Rs 6 Crore. Mustafizur, popularly known as the ‘Fizz,’ brings a wealth of experience with 61 wickets in 57 IPL matches and an impressive 132 wickets in 106 T20Is for Bangladesh. His cunning variations and ability to bowl in the death overs could prove to be a game-changer for the Capitals, who are set to face Gujarat Titans on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Adding to Delhi Capitals’ concerns, Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is also reportedly considering withdrawing from the tournament. Starc’s partner and Australian women’s cricket team captain, Alyssa Healy, shared insights into the anxiety that gripped overseas players during the Dharamsala incident on the Willow Talk podcast. ‘We were in the dark about what would unfold over the next few days. Northern airports were shut, and information was inconsistent. No one, not even the governments, seemed to fully grasp the situation unless you were in the affected areas,’ Healy explained. She highlighted the unease among players, stating, ‘There was a lot of discussion about whether we should even be playing. We were too close to the conflict zones.’
Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the Punjab Kings camp as well. Several Australian players, including Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, and Aaron Hardie, who had briefly returned home, are now hesitant to come back to India. Earlier, Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon was optimistic about their return, but latest reports suggest otherwise. Head coach Ricky Ponting, who delayed his own departure after a ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, is said to be in talks with the players to encourage their return. The Punjab Kings squad, currently in Jaipur for their next clash against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, resumed training on Thursday.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the safety and mental well-being of players remain under scrutiny. With high-profile withdrawals and palpable tension among overseas contingents, the league faces unprecedented challenges. Yet, the show must go on, and teams like Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are bracing themselves to adapt and overcome. Will Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion spark a turnaround for the Capitals? Can Ricky Ponting convince his players to return? The cricketing world watches with bated breath as the drama unfolds both on and off the field.