The Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended for a week on Friday due to growing regional tensions between India and Pakistan, throwing the tournament into uncertainty. One of the biggest setbacks has hit Delhi Capitals, as their marquee overseas signing, Mitchell Starc, might not return even if the league resumes.
Starc, bought for a hefty Rs 11.75 crore, flew back to Sydney with his wife Alyssa Healy soon after the suspension. Reports from Nine News suggest that the Australian pacer is unlikely to return to India, a stance supported by Cricket Australia (CA), which has assured players of full backing should they opt out of returning.
Uncertainty Surrounds Australian and Overseas Players
Starc isn’t alone in his decision. Other top Australians like Pat Cummins and Travis Head, whose franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad is already out of playoff contention, are also expected to stay back and focus on preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) final starting June 11 at Lord’s. With the IPL potentially resuming on May 16 and the final possibly pushed to May 30, scheduling conflicts are growing.
The sudden suspension forced many overseas players to return to their home countries within 24 hours, making the logistics of their return complex. While most New Zealand players have already flown home, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is still deliberating whether to allow its players to stay beyond the May 25 NOC expiry date, citing player safety as the top priority.
Impact on Franchises and Player Recovery
The disruption has created both challenges and opportunities for teams. For instance, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been grappling with the injury of their captain, Rajat Patidar, who hurt his finger in a match against Chennai Super Kings. Initially set to miss two matches, Patidar now has a window to recover during the break.
RCB is handling his rehabilitation cautiously, hoping he can return in time for the playoffs and possibly for the upcoming India A tour of England. However, for teams like Delhi Capitals, the potential loss of a key bowler like Starc could prove costly as the season progresses toward a likely resumption.
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