Mitchell Starc from the Delhi Capitals probably won’t be heading back to India even if the IPL starts up again. Many top Australian players are expected to skip the league since it was put on hold due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Sources say the IPL might restart around May 16, and the final could be pushed from May 25 to May 30.
After the suspension, Starc and his wife Alyssa Healy arrived back in Sydney, but he didn’t comment when approached by local media. His manager mentioned that Starc might stay in Australia if the tournament resumes. Cricket Australia is ready to back its players if they choose not to return for the IPL.
Other Australian players, like Pat Cummins and Travis Head, might also skip the IPL to get ready for the World Test Championship final starting on June 11 since their team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, isn’t in the playoff race.
There are also challenges to get overseas players and staff back to India after they left quickly when the league was suspended. Most New Zealand players are already home, and South African cricket is still deciding if their players will stay past the May 25 deadline, focusing on their safety.
For teams like RCB, this pause has created both issues and a chance for recovery. Captain Rajat Patidar, who hurt his finger against CSK, was expected to miss two matches. This unexpected break now gives him time to heal, and RCB is cautiously managing his recovery, hoping he’ll be ready for the playoffs and an upcoming India A tour to England.