Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has clarified his decision of not returning to India for the remaining part of the IPL 2025 season after a one-week suspension, a choice influenced by the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Despite the competition resuming after a ceasefire was declared, Starc, along with Jake Fraser-McGurk of Delhi Capitals, opted out.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Starc shared that he had concerns and questions, ultimately deciding it was best not to travel to India. He made a similar choice earlier regarding the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which was held in Pakistan and Dubai, where Australia played all their matches in Pakistan, except for the semi-final against India.
“I’m at comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the entire situation and its handling. That’s why I made the choice I did, and my focus shifted to red-ball cricket for about a week before coming here. Time will reveal any consequences or perceptions regarding those who didn’t return. But I had my concerns going into that game, and what happened obviously influenced my decision,” Starc explained.
“There was the same thought process behind my decision for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” he continued.
“Different players and teams were treated differently. The Punjab team in Dharamsala had a similar experience, but while all of them returned, Jake Fraser-McGurk and I chose not to. It was a very personal decision, and I’m happy to accept whatever comes from it,” Starc added.
Mitchell Starc was part of the Delhi Capitals‘ XI when their match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala was halted due to an air raid warning. The stadium was evacuated, and the team spent “six hours in a car and six hours on a train” to return to their base. Once the tournament was suspended, Starc and his wife, Alyssa Healy, flew back to Australia immediately.
“I’m still fully committed to the Delhi group. I’ve never been one to pull out after being selected in an auction. But these were unusual circumstances,” he stated.
“It was more about lacking enough information to make such a significant decision. I had a conversation back home, came to a conclusion, and whatever comes from it, I’m comfortable with it and ready to move forward,” he concluded.