In a surprising turn of events, Mitchell Starc, the spearhead of Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the franchise despite his decision to leave the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 midway. The Australian pacer, known for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball, opted out of the tournament’s resumption on May 17 after a 10-day hiatus triggered by Operation Sindoor, a military response to a tragic incident in Pahalgam where 26 civilians lost their lives to Pakistan-backed terrorism. As the cricketing world grapples with the fallout of this unprecedented interruption, Starc’s decision has sparked both intrigue and debate.
Starc, who claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches for Delhi Capitals this season, last donned the team jersey in a dramatic encounter against Punjab Kings on May 8 in Dharamsala. The match, however, was abandoned due to a sudden power outage at the stadium, adding to the tension in an already volatile atmosphere given Dharamsala’s proximity to the international border. Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australian Women’s team, was present at the venue during the incident, witnessing the urgency of the evacuation that followed. Speaking to The Age, Starc reflected on the unsettling circumstances, admitting, ‘I had my apprehensions before taking the field that day amid growing tensions. What unfolded only reinforced my concerns, playing a significant role in my decision to step away.’
While the pacer remains resolute about his choice, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the repercussions of opting out, especially as several Australian teammates, including Jake Fraser-McGurk, also made individual decisions regarding their participation. ‘Time will tell how this looks for those of us who didn’t return,’ Starc noted. ‘But I’m comfortable with my decision and how the situation was handled. My focus shifted to red-ball cricket in preparation for upcoming challenges.’ Indeed, Starc’s attention has turned to Australia’s critical World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, set to commence on June 11 at Lord’s, a venue synonymous with cricketing history.
The disruption in Dharamsala saw varied responses across teams. Both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, along with broadcast crews, were evacuated to Delhi via a special train from Pathankot. Starc highlighted the inconsistency in how the crisis was managed, stating, ‘Things were handled differently for different players and teams. While both sides faced similar experiences, some returned to play, while Jake and I chose not to.’ He emphasized that his exit from IPL 2025 was an individual decision, driven by a lack of clarity and insufficient information about the unfolding events. ‘I had discussions back home, weighed my options, and arrived at a decision I’m at peace with,’ he added.
Despite his mid-season departure, Starc, who previously tasted success with Kolkata Knight Riders during their title-winning campaign in 2024, remains steadfast in his loyalty to Delhi Capitals. ‘I’m still heavily committed to the Delhi group,’ he affirmed. ‘This isn’t about pulling out after being picked in an auction. These are extraordinary circumstances, and I’m prepared to live with whatever comes of this choice.’ His record with the franchise—consistently troubling batters with his pace, including a standout performance of 4/33 earlier this season—underscores his value to the team, making his absence a significant blow as IPL 2025 progresses.
Starc’s decision also echoes his earlier stance on not traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to similar security concerns. ‘There was a bit of overlap in my thought process around the Champions Trophy and the IPL delay. You start thinking about preparation for crucial matches like the WTC final,’ he explained. As one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, with over 300 Test wickets and two ICC Cricket World Cup titles to his name, Starc’s focus on long-term priorities is understandable, yet it raises questions about the balance between franchise commitments and personal or national obligations in modern cricket.
As the IPL resumes without one of its brightest stars, fans and analysts alike ponder the implications of Starc’s exit. Will other players follow suit in prioritizing safety and international duties over T20 leagues? How will Delhi Capitals adapt in the absence of their pace ace? Only time will reveal the full impact of this saga. For now, Mitchell Starc stands firm—committed to his team in spirit, if not on the field, and resolute in a decision shaped by extraordinary times in the world of cricket.