Mitchell Starc has opted not to rejoin Delhi Capitals (DC) for the continuation of the IPL 2025 season. Following an abandoned match in Dharamsala, which is scheduled to be replayed, Starc informed the team he’s unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. This decision allows him to concentrate on preparing for the World Test Championship final, thereby bypassing any potential T20 engagements in India shortly before the event.
Starc has been pivotal for DC, being their top wicket-taker this season, securing 14 dismissals over 11 matches with an average of 26.14. There’s yet to be an update on Faf du Plessis’s involvement with DC post-restart, whereas Tristan Stubbs will rejoin for the league phase before departing for WTC duties.
DC’s ranks have been bolstered by Mustafizur Rahman, who steps in for the absent Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, Mustafizur’s involvement faces uncertainty as the Bangladesh Cricket Board hasn’t approved his participation, given his commitments to a T20I series in Sharjah against the UAE.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins and Travis Head will return to India to join Sunrisers Hyderabad, even though their IPL campaign ends without playoff prospects. This timing affords them ample preparation for the WTC final. Josh Hazlewood is currently assessing a shoulder issue before deciding on his possible return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Conversely, Josh Inglis remains undecided about rejoining Punjab Kings, while Mitchell Marsh is set to return to Lucknow Super Giants.
These movements highlight the juggling act players face between domestic league commitments and international duties, underscoring the balancing act required for top athletes.
