Delhi Capitals Provides Fresh Update on Mitchell Starc Ahead of IPL 2026

March 23, 2026: The availability of Australian players for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has become a major talking point, with franchises facing several issues. Sunrisers Hyderabad will start the tournament without their captain Pat Cummins, while all-rounder Jack Edwards has also been ruled out.

There is uncertainty over Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) and Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bangalore) for the start of the IPL, which begins on March 28. Delhi Capitals have shared updates on Starc and his possible arrival in India for the tournament.

Cricket Australia NOC Still Pending for Starc

DC coach Hemang Badani said that Cricket Australia (CA) has not yet issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Starc. However, the franchise remains hopeful that the pacer will join the squad before their first match on April 1. “We are waiting for the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get it, we will know when he can join us,” said Badani.

He added, “We are in constant touch with CA. Starc has been bowling recently. Unless Cricket Australia confirms he is fit to play, there is little the franchise can do. The delay is related to fitness or workload management.”

#IPL2026: Delhi Capitals hopeful of Mitchell Starc's arrival before season opener, even as Cricket Australia yet to issue NOChttps://t.co/UYWdfTOtdN

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) March 23, 2026

Team Management Comments on Starc

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel and cricket director Venugopal Rao confirmed that Starc will join the squad; the timing depends only on the NOC. “He is coming. It is just a matter of getting the NOC from Cricket Australia. Both they and we are monitoring his fitness and workload,” said Rao.

When asked if T Natarajan would replace Starc if he does not arrive in time for the opening match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, Axar said, “It is too early to decide. If Starc gets the NOC, he may arrive before the first match. If not, we will plan the team combination carefully. Natarajan is performing well and is fully fit.”