While most international players returned to fulfill their franchise obligations, Starc and fellow Australian wicketkeeper Jake Fraser-McGurk chose not to participate further in the tournament.
“I’m at ease with my decision and my feelings regarding the entire situation and its handling,” Starc shared with the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday.
“Only time will reveal the consequences or perceptions of those who didn’t come back. I had my doubts and concerns leading up to that match, and what transpired influenced my choice.”
Starc was in Dharamshala for Delhi’s match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 9. The match was called off after 10 overs of the first innings due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) reported failure of floodlights.
“Jake and I made the choice not to (return). It was purely a personal decision, and I’m fine living with whatever results from that,” Starc remarked.
Earlier this year, he also withdrew from the Champions Trophy in Pakistan for personal reasons and has skipped the IPL on multiple occasions to focus on international cricket.
The left-arm pacer emphasized that he exited the remaining IPL matches because of the unusual circumstances.
“I remain deeply committed to the Delhi team, and I’m not typically someone who enters tournaments only to pull out after being acquired in an auction or similar,” Starc noted.
“These are unique circumstances… I had a conversation at home, leading to my decision, and I am comfortable with whatever follows, and we move ahead.”
(With Reuters inputs)
First Published: Jun 6, 2025 2:39 PM IST
