Australia’s Mitchell Starc not returning to IPL

NEW DELHI: Australia’s Mitchell Starc confirmed that he is not returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is resuming tomorrow, May 19.

According to media reports, the Delhi Capitals received an email from Mitchell Starc informing them that he would not return to the league, as he focuses on preparing for the ICC World Test Championships which will see Australia face South Africa on June 11 at Lord’s.

Starc was playing in the match between the Capitals and the Punjab Kings on May 8 in Dharmshala, which was abandoned due to escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Capitals are currently 5th in the standings, with six wins and a total of 13 points. Only one-point separates them from the Mumbai Indians in fourth place, and only three separate Delhi from the Gujrat Titans in first.

Fellow Aussies Pat Cummins and Travis Head of the Sunrisers Hyderabad are both returning, but other foreign stars have yet to confirm their plans.

Jos Buttler is another player that is set to depart, but will first finish out the IPL regular season with the Rajasthan Royals. He will be replaced by Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis.

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