The Delhi Capitals' (DC)  IPL 2025 campaign could be heading for serious turbulence. At least three of their six available overseas players are unlikely to return for the remainder of the tournament, with Australian sensation Jake Fraser-M cGurkofficially opting out.

Fraser-McGurk, who lit up the first half of the IPL with explosive batting performances, has told the franchise that he will not be returning to India. The update came after DC contacted all their overseas players on May 13 to check availability from May 17 onwards.

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He joins DC for INR 6 crore #IPL2025 #mustafizurrahman #IPL #delhicapitals pic.twitter.com/QepuHA46mE

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 14, 2025

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, the young opener has decided to stay back in Australia following the disturbing events that occurred in Dharamshala earlier this month. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) in an attempt to facilitate the return of Australian players, the emotional impact appears to have outweighed cricketing commitments.

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DC face uncertainty as key foreign players may miss rest of IPL 2025

Mitchell Starc, another big-ticket Australian name, is also reportedly reluctant to rejoin his IPL franchise. While he hasn’t officially pulled out, sources suggest he is "highly unlikely" to return. Starc’s wife and Australian women’s team captain Alyssa Healy recently detailed the harrowing experiences in Dharamshala, providing insight into why some players are choosing not to return.

Meanwhile, South African batter Tristan Stubbs may also leave the IPL early. With the World Test Championship (WTC) Final scheduled for early June, Cricket South Africa (CSA) could recall Stubbs by May 26, in accordance with the original No Objection Certificate (NOC) terms.

There’s still some hope for DC, as veteran Faf du Plessis, who is not bound by any NOC constraints due to his international retirement, might make a return. However, he hasn’t provided a final word yet.

Among the remaining overseas players, Donovan Ferreira, Dushmantha Chameera, and Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal are expected to rejoin the squad and be available for selection.

With playoff hopes on the line, DC will need quick clarityand possibly reinforcements if they are to stay competitive in the business end of the tournament.