Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not return to the disrupted Indian Premier League, reports indicated Friday, while England’s former white-ball captain Jos Buttler is set to leave before the playoffs commence.
The world’s wealthiest cricket tournament faced suspension last week due to a brief but intense conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India.
The competition is scheduled to resume on Saturday but is facing the potential loss of several prominent players during its final stages due to scheduling conflicts with international teams, including those from Australia, England, and South Africa.
Four days of exchanges involving drones, missiles, and artillery, commencing on May 7, resulted in the deaths of approximately 70 people, including numerous civilians, on both sides of the border.
Starc’s team, the Delhi Capitals, were in Dharamsala when a match was abandoned due to what officials cited as a floodlight failure. Dharamsala is situated less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the town of Jammu, where explosions were reported earlier the same day.
The stadium was promptly evacuated, and players, including the 35-year-old Starc, were quickly transported out of the ground on the team bus.
Australian media outlets reported that Starc has informed the Delhi Capitals of his decision not to return, allowing him to focus on preparations for his country’s World Test Championship final against South Africa, which is scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s.
There has been no immediate confirmation from either the Delhi Capitals team or the IPL.
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and star batter Travis Head are both expected to return to India, but the plans of other Australian players remain uncertain.
The league’s suspension has disrupted its schedule, leading to a delay in the start of the playoffs and the final being pushed back by nine days to June 3.
The Gujarat Titans currently lead the 10-team table and are almost certain to qualify for the playoffs, which are set to begin on May 29.
However, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will depart from his team after the group stage concludes and will be replaced by Sri Lankan player Kusal Mendis. This move will allow Buttler to be available for England’s first ODI against the West Indies.
England all-rounders Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, who play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians respectively, are also anticipated to leave the IPL early, according to a report by the BBC.
