Mitchell Starc Likely to Miss Early IPL 2026 Matches Due to Workload Management, Delhi Capitals Await Clearance

New Delhi. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is increasingly likely to be unavailable for the initial matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. According to Delhi Capitals' head coach Hemang Badani, although Starc has started bowling practice, he is not yet fully fit.

Cricket Australia is closely monitoring the status of Starc, along with key bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, considering their workload. It is understood that the board has delayed issuing an NOC to Starc because Australia is scheduled to play 21 Test matches from August 2026 to July 2027.

Delhi Capitals coach Badani confirmed that he is in constant contact with Starc and that the bowler has just completed a bowling session. However, he stated that the franchise cannot proceed until official clearance is received from Cricket Australia.

Starc delivered an excellent performance for Delhi last season, taking 14 wickets in 11 matches. This time, with Starc retained for INR 11.75 crore, Delhi is preparing to field alternatives such as Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, and Dushmantha Chameera in his absence.

Captain Axar Patel, however, stated that the hope of Starc being available for the first game is still alive. If Starc receives clearance before the first match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, he could join the team directly.

Patel clarified that if Starc is unavailable, the team will seek the best combination from other left-arm bowlers or available players to balance the squad. Starc, who has been resting after playing in the Big Bash League in January, has already proven his form by winning the Player of the Series award in the recently concluded Ashes series.