Veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to not return to the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) following the tense events surrounding Operation Sindoor. While several of his teammates rejoined the tournament once a ceasefire was declared between India and Pakistan, Starc chose to step away — a decision he says was deeply personal and based on how the crisis was handled.
Dharamsala Incident Was a Turning Point
The flashpoint came during a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which was abandoned midway due to escalating tensions in the region. Starc, who was part of the Delhi Capitals squad, recalled the chaos of the situation. Players were evacuated by a special train due to security threats — an experience that clearly left a mark on the seasoned pacer.
“I’m comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and how it was handled,” Starc told the Sydney Morning Herald. “That’s why I made my decision post-that, and my focus changed to red-ball cricket for about a week prior to coming over here.”
He went on to say that he had questions and concerns even before that match, and what followed only reinforced his choice to step away from the tournament. While the Punjab Kings squad returned to action once the situation stabilized after May 17, both Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk chose not to resume their IPL duties — highlighting how the experience affected players differently.
Starc Stands by His Decision and Stresses Player Safety
“There were different approaches taken for different players and teams,” Starc explained. “Both teams in Dharamsala had similar experiences, but all those guys returned for Punjab. Jake and I chose not to. It was a very individual decision, and I’m happy to live with whatever comes of that.”
Despite stepping away, Starc was clear in his support for his franchise. “I’m still heavily committed to the Delhi group. I’m not someone who pulls out of tournaments after getting picked. These were different circumstances.”
He also touched upon broader concerns about player safety and scheduling, hinting that India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, and the subsequent decision to relocate the matches to the UAE, factored into his thinking.
“There was a little bit of that to my decision around the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. And then once the tournament was delayed, you start to think about guys’ preparation for the Test match,” he added.
Starc’s comments highlight how off-field events can directly impact player choices in today’s high-stakes cricket environment. As cricket boards and leagues navigate these sensitive geopolitical issues, players like Starc are making decisions based on safety, preparation, and personal values — not just contracts or match fees.
