NEW DELHI, May 16 (Alliance News): Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has decided not to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) following its recent suspension due to deadly cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and India, while England’s Jos Buttler will exit before the playoffs, reports confirmed on Friday.
The IPL, the world’s most lucrative cricket tournament, resumes on Saturday after a temporary halt caused by a brief but intense military exchange between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The conflict, which lasted from May 7 for four days, claimed around 70 lives, including many civilians, across both sides of the border.
Starc, who plays for Delhi Capitals, was on the field in Dharamsala when a match was abruptly abandoned—officially due to floodlight failure.
However, the incident coincided with explosions reported in nearby Jammu, prompting a rapid evacuation of the stadium and players, including the 35-year-old fast bowler.
Starc has since informed his franchise that he will not rejoin the tournament, Australian media said, as he shifts focus to Australia’s World Test Championship final against South Africa on June 11 at Lord’s.
The Delhi Capitals and IPL organizers have not officially commented on Starc’s withdrawal.
Meanwhile, England’s former white-ball captain Jos Buttler is also set to leave the Rajasthan Royals after the group stage.
He will be replaced by Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis to ensure his availability for England’s first ODI against the West Indies.
Other England players, including all-rounders Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians), are also expected to depart early, the BBC reported.
The IPL suspension has disrupted the league’s original schedule, pushing the playoffs to May 29 and the final to June 3. This overlap with international commitments for players from Australia, England, and South Africa has led to several top stars withdrawing ahead of the crucial playoff rounds.
Australia captain Pat Cummins and batter Travis Head are expected to return to the IPL, but uncertainty remains around the participation of other Australian players.
Gujarat Titans currently top the 10-team points table and are well-placed for a playoff berth.
