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Australia’s premier cricketers have landed back home amid rising uncertainty over the future of the Indian Premier League. Once celebrated as the flagship event of global franchise cricket, the IPL now finds itself at a crossroads, impacted by escalating regional unrest and a jam-packed international schedule. With its massive global audience and commercial stakes, the tournament faces urgent pressure to adapt. Meanwhile, a notable silence from players and administrators underscores the weight of ongoing internal discussions and the complex calculations being made, well beyond the boundary lines.
Will Delhi Capitals see Mitchell Starc back for the remainder of IPL 2025?
Starc, among the most prominent names in Australian cricket, returned to Sydney alongside his wife Alyssa Healy, avoiding media interaction upon arrival. His agent later informed Australia’s Nine News that a return to India for the IPL remains uncertain, even if the tournament resumes. Starc’s hesitance isn’t unexpected, he’s historically been cautious about T20 commitments, often prioritizing his physical condition and national duties. His potential withdrawal highlights the increasing hesitation among overseas players, many of whom are reassessing participation amid growing regional tensions and evolving risk factors.
In IPL 2025, Starc so far has featured in 12 matches and picked 14 wickets, with a best match figure of 5/35. His bowling average stood at 27.79, while his economy rate was on the higher side at 10.24. This showcased his ability to pick up wickets regularly. Though he didn’t register any four-wicket hauls, he managed one five-wicket performance in the season.
Mitchell Starc won't comeback for IPL 😭 pic.twitter.com/eTrj2VbP7F
— Abxd (@ABXD_DC) May 11, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025 comeback? Former T20 World Cup winner reveals a perfect timeline for a restart
Tight international calendar threatens Starc’s IPL participation
What complicates matters further is the intense international schedule awaiting the Australian squad. Key players such as Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head are set to fly to the UK shortly for the prestigious World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s. This high-pressure encounter is pivotal for Australia’s red-ball legacy and is immediately followed by a crucial three-match Test series in the West Indies. Given the physical demands and mental toll such tours entail, the likelihood of these players making a detour back to India for the IPL, especially if it resumes mid-tour seems increasingly implausible.
In response to mounting security concerns in northern regions of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring contingency plans to shift the tournament to safer and logistically viable southern venues. Chennai and Bengaluru have emerged as frontrunners, given their robust infrastructure, security readiness, and history of hosting high-profile matches. These cities offer a relatively controlled environment, which could help the IPL resume in a stable setting, if not with its full international flavor.
