Islamabad, 16 May, 2025: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc and England’s Jos Buttler have decided not to continue in the remaining fixtures of IPL 2025, as regional instability and packed international schedules cause several overseas players to withdraw.
Although the Indian Premier League resumed following a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, it has done so without some of its key foreign players.
Starc, who was playing for the Delhi Capitals, has reportedly declined to participate in the rest of the competition.
READ MORE: Mitchell Johnson Urges Overseas Players to Skip IPL
His withdrawal comes in the wake of safety concerns after a game in Dharamsala was called off, officially due to floodlight failure.
However, the incident triggered panic due to the venue’s closeness to sensitive borders. The ground was quickly evacuated, and players were removed from the area.
Some Indian media outlets had also falsely linked the event to cross-border aggression.
According to reports from Australia, the 35-year-old pacer has informed his franchise of his decision, choosing instead to shift focus to preparing for Australia’s World Test Championship final against South Africa, scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s.
READ MORE: Australian Players Consider Exit as IPL Suspended
While fellow Australians Pat Cummins and Travis Head are reportedly still committed to return for the remaining games, others remain undecided amid the uncertainty.
England opener Jos Buttler, currently playing for the Rajasthan Royals, is also set to leave after the league stage concludes. He’ll be replaced by Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis as he readies himself for England’s ODI series against the West Indies.
In addition, the BBC reports that England all-rounders Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians) are also expected to exit the tournament early.
IPL authorities and franchises are now grappling with the challenge of adjusting to unexpected developments while trying to complete the season.
