Mitchell Starc unlikely to return for remainder of IPL 2025: Reports

Australian cricket star Mitchell Starc is one of the few players who isn’t ready to return for the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Cricbuzz has stated that Starc, who is part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) side, has been left ‘rattled’ by the recent turn of events that took place. The left-arm seamer is a key part of the DC side, who are still in with a shout to make it to the IPL 2025 playoffs. 

Opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has also decided to stay put in Australia for the rest of the IPL 2025 season. Delhi Capitals, though, have some good news as Cricbuzz reported that Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs have agreed to return. Punjab Kings are sweating over the return of Josh Inglis, who has been named in Australia’s WTC final squad. 

There is good news for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans as most of their overseas players, barring Josh Hazlewood, are set to return. Hazlewood has been ruled out due to injury. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins and batter Travis Head, as per ESPN Cricinfo, have also confirmed their return for the final three games of the season. 

Former India skipper wants IPL to do away with cheerleaders and DJ

Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to make a few changes in the final few games of the season in IPL 2025. Mr. Gavaskar has said that the board should make sure the games are played without music or cheerleaders. This would be a great way to pay respect to all the victims in the recent cross-border tension. 

Speaking on Sports Today, Mr. Gavaskar said, “I would sincerely hope, because of what has happened and some families have lost their near and dear ones, I would like all the paraphernalia that goes on with it not to be there,”. The game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians had seen no fireworks, cheerleaders or music being played due to the Pahalgam terror attacks. 

The 75-year-old also said, “Just the game to be played. Let the crowds come in, but let’s not have music, let’s not have the DJs screaming in the middle of an over, none of that. Let’s just have sport, no dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket. That would be a really nice way to respect the sentiment of the families who have lost their near and dear ones”