Security concerns are overshadowing the glitz of the Indian Premier League (IPL), as top international players withdraw from the tournament.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has refused to travel to India, citing safety reasons, raising serious questions about the security arrangements at the high-profile event.
Despite the IPL’s multi-million-dollar stature, the tournament is now grappling with a wave of player withdrawals. The glamour is fading amid growing fears, with several players opting out of the remaining matches of the season.
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Starc has officially informed his franchise, Delhi Capitals, that he will not participate in the rest of the tournament. According to Australian media, Starc stands to lose over 400,000 USD (more than 110 million rupees) due to this decision.
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has also pulled out of the IPL. Both Starc and du Plessis were scheduled to play in a match in Dharamshala, which was cancelled following a blackout.
Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, stated the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off due to a missile strike in the region.
Other prominent players, including Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, and Jofra Archer, have also decided to skip the remainder of the season amid ongoing security concerns, casting a shadow over the tournament’s excitement.
