IPL 2025: Mitchell Starc and Faf du Plessis Opt Out, Delhi Capitals Face Big Setback

The IPL 2025 is back after a nine-day break caused by rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border. However, it hasn’t returned to full flow. Due to the ongoing conflict and packed international schedules, many overseas players have decided not to take part in the rest of the tournament. With the IPL now pushed back by a week and international matches coming up in June, teams are feeling the pressure of missing key players in the Delhi Capitals team.

Mitchell Starc Opts Out of Remainder of IPL 2025 to Focus on WTC Final Preparation

Mitchell Starc has decided not to return to India for the rest of IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals. A week after playing in the match that got washed out in Dharamsala, which is set to be replayed, Starc informed the team that he won’t be continuing in the tournament.

With this decision, Starc will now have a clear run-up to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, avoiding the challenge of switching from T20 cricket in India to a high-pressure Test match in just a few days. So far, he has been DC’s leading wicket-taker this season, with 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 26.14.

IPL 2025: Uncertainty Over Faf du Plessis, Stubbs to Stay Till League Stage, Ferreira Opts Out

Things are going from bad to worse for the Delhi Capitals, as Faf du Plessis is also said to be pulling out of IPL 2025. He brought a lot of experience at the top of the order, so losing him leaves DC in a tough spot. With their overseas players dropping out, the team will have to rethink its plans.

Tristan Stubbs has confirmed he’ll be back but only until the end of the league stage, as he too will leave for the WTC final afterward. Donovan Ferreira, who featured in just one game this season, has also chosen not to come back.

IPL 2025: Fraser-McGurk Out, Mustafizur Named Replacement

The explosive Australian opener was already under pressure after a slow start to the IPL season, and now he won’t be finishing the tournament, another setback for the Delhi Capitals. According to his coach, Jake Fraser-McGurk was deeply affected by what happened in Dharamsala, where the match between DC and PBKS was cancelled. The 23-year-old has taken some time off and decided to stay back home to recover.

Delhi Capitals have also signed Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, Mustafizur’s participation is still uncertain, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) says they haven’t yet been asked for a no-objection certificate. Mustafizur is currently in Sharjah, playing a T20I series against the UAE.

ALSO READ:  Rajat Patidar Injury Update: Skipper Likely to Be Fit for Rest of IPL 2025