Mitchell Starc Ruled Out Of Initial IPL 2026 Phase As Cricket Australia Hinders Participation

Mitchell Starc is set to miss the initial phase of IPL 2026 as Cricket Australia manages his workload, dealing a big blow to Delhi Capitals.

Mitchell Starc has delivered a major setback to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026, as he has been ruled out of the opening phase of the tournament. The Australian pacer joins a growing list of fast bowlers unavailable at the start of the season.

Earlier, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were sidelined for the first few matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. Additionally, Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings, further impacting team combinations early in the tournament.

Cricket Australia Managing Workload Ahead of Busy Calendar

According to reports, Cricket Australia has decided to manage Starc’s workload, leading to his absence from the initial phase. There are also concerns that he may not be available for the entire season.

Starc was last seen in action during the Ashes 2025–26, where he played all five Tests and bowled a significant number of overs. With a packed international schedule ahead, the board appears to be prioritising his fitness and long-term availability.

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Delhi Capitals Face Setback Despite Retaining Starc

Starc was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction and had a decent debut season with the franchise. In 11 matches, he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 23.12 and a strike rate of 8.61.

One of his standout performances came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he registered a brilliant 5/35, playing a key role in a seven-wicket victory. Despite his efforts, Delhi Capitals failed to make the playoffs last season but showed faith in the left-arm pacer by retaining him for IPL 2026.

With Starc now unavailable at the start, the franchise will need to reassess their bowling strategy as they gear up for the new season, while all eyes remain on whether further developments or decisions from the BCCI follow.