Mitchell Starc Unavailable for Rest of IPL 2025, Hazlewood Likely to Rejoin Squad: REPORTS

Delhi Capitals and Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has decided not to return to India for the rest of the IPL 2025 season. His absence is a big setback for DC’s bowling lineup and puts pressure on the team to either find a quick replacement or count on their current players to step up.

Starc is one of the well-known names to pull out of the tournament’s restart on May 17, after it was paused due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. The experienced left-arm pacer had played in the match against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, which was eventually called off because of air strike alerts near the border.

Starc’s decision to sit out the rest of the IPL also gives him a clear run-up to prepare for the World Test Championship Final, where Australia will take on South Africa at Lord’s starting June 11. Delhi Capitals have already been hit by the absence of Jake Fraser-McGurk, who also chose not to return. They had signed Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement, but his availability is still uncertain, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board hasn’t issued his No Objection Certificate yet. Bangladesh are currently playing a T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah.

Josh Hazlewood Likely to Return Despite Shoulder Injury

The situation around overseas players remains uncertain as the IPL 2025 season heads into its final leg. DC are still waiting to hear about Faf du Plessis’ availability, while young South African batter Tristan Stubbs has confirmed his return, but only for the rest of the league stage, depending on whether the team makes it to the playoffs.

Losing Starc is a big loss for Delhi Capitals, he’s their top wicket-taker this season, and without him DC face tough matches in their fight for the playoffs. On the bright side, Josh Hazlewood will return to RCB, even though he’s managing a small shoulder injury.

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025: New Full Schedule, Available & Unavailable Players List Before Restart