With the IPL 2025 season fast approaching, teams are gearing up for the start of the league on March 22. The excitement is building as all 10 franchises begin their training sessions and finalize their preparations for the upcoming season. However, just under two weeks before the action kicks off, Delhi Capitals have received a significant setback. Harry Brook, who was bought for 6.25 crore during the auction, has withdrawn from the tournament for the second consecutive year, leaving the team in a tough spot. Brook’s absence disrupts the Capitals’ team composition, forcing them to make adjustments ahead of the season.
In light of Brook’s withdrawal, which may lead to sanctions and a potential two-year ban from future IPL auctions, there are concerns that other prominent overseas players might follow suit and pull out of the IPL 2025 season due to personal reasons. Here are three players who could potentially take that step:
Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer is one name that stands out. The English fast bowler is set to make his return to the IPL after a year’s absence, having last played in 2023. Archer did not register for the IPL 2025 mega-auction initially, but after discussions with the ECB, he was given permission to join the league.
The ECB had initially been hesitant due to concerns about Archer’s fitness and his availability for England’s Test summer. However, with England facing a series of injuries, including that of Mark Wood, the ECB might decide to reconsider their stance and ask Archer to withdraw from the IPL. With a critical home series against India on the horizon, Archer’s national commitments could lead to him missing out on IPL 2025.
Adam Zampa
Another player who might opt out of IPL 2025 is Australian spinner Adam Zampa. Bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the season, Zampa has a history of withdrawing from the IPL. In 2024, he pulled out of the league while playing for Rajasthan Royals, citing personal reasons. At the time, Zampa explained, “There are several reasons why the IPL wasn’t for me this year. I think the most important one was the fact that it’s a World Cup year and I’m completely drained from 2023.” With key international series coming up for Australia after the IPL, there is a possibility that Zampa may prioritize national duties again and skip IPL 2025.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is another player who may choose to skip IPL 2025. After a long absence from the league, Starc made his return in 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he helped the team secure the trophy. However, Starc has shown that national commitments often take precedence, as demonstrated when he withdrew from the Champions Trophy squad due to personal reasons. With a packed calendar ahead, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa and the Ashes series against England in November, Starc may decide to prioritize these important series over the IPL.
In conclusion, while the IPL 2025 season is drawing near, several overseas stars, including Jofra Archer, Adam Zampa, and Mitchell Starc, might choose to opt out due to national commitments and personal reasons. As the tournament approaches, teams, including Delhi Capitals, may have to make last-minute adjustments to their rosters, as the uncertainty around player availability continues to loom.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
