Delhi Capitals Await Clarity on Mitchell Starc’s Availability For IPL 2026

Mitchell Starc’s delayed NOC and fitness concerns headline a wider availability crisis for Australian stars ahead of IPL 2026.

Several IPL franchises are facing uncertainty over the participation of their overseas players ahead of the 2026 season, with scheduling, fitness, and workload management emerging as key concerns. Among them, Mitchell Starc remains a major question mark for Delhi Capitals, as he is expected to miss the early phase of the tournament.

Cricket Australia is reportedly keeping a close watch on the left-arm pacer’s workload, delaying clarity on his participation. Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani confirmed that the franchise is still awaiting official approval.

“We are waiting for an NOC from Cricket Australia, once we get that, then only we can say anything about Starc’s availability,” Badani told reporters in New Delhi on Monday.

Adding to the uncertainty, DC’s Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao highlighted concerns around the pacer’s fitness.

“Starc will come, we just waiting for the NOC because his fitness is the concern. We are just waiting for it,” he said.

Starc, 36, played a key role for Delhi last season, picking up 14 wickets in 11 matches and finishing as their second-highest wicket-taker. He was retained after being bought for Rs 11.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Australian Stars Missing Early Matches Across Franchises

Starc is not the only Australian player whose availability is in doubt. Several of his national teammates are also expected to miss at least the opening week of the tournament, which begins on March 28.

Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) are set to be unavailable initially. In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan will take over leadership duties for Hyderabad.

Injury setbacks have further depleted overseas contingents. Jack Edwards and Nathan Ellis have already been ruled out of the entire season for their respective teams.

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The absence of these high-profile names has raised concerns about a potential dip in star power during the initial phase of the competition.

Season Opener and Delhi Capitals’ Campaign

The IPL 2026 season will kick off with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, will begin their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, with Starc’s availability for that clash still uncertain.