Mitchell Starc Addresses Criticism Over IPL Absence Amid Injury Concerns
Starc Responds to Critics Regarding IPL Participation
Mitchell Starc has spoken out against the backlash he has faced for not being part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) roster for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The Australian fast bowler has been under scrutiny from various notable figures, including Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar, who criticized foreign players for their delayed arrivals. In response, Starc asserted that many have misused the Indian media to spread inaccurate information about his situation. The 36-year-old pacer explained that he is currently recovering from injuries to his shoulder and elbow, which he was unaware of during the Australian summer. He expressed regret to DC fans for his absence and assured them of his commitment to rejoin the team as soon as he is healthy.
“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer. These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me,” Starc stated in an Instagram story. He acknowledged the disruption his injury has caused to the Delhi team and apologized for not being available at the start of the season. Starc emphasized that he is in constant communication with the team and is doing everything possible to be ready for DC as soon as possible.
His remarks followed a revelation from his wife, Alyssa Healy, about his injury. Additionally, DC coach Hemang Badani expressed his frustration over the situation earlier this week, noting that the delay is dependent on Cricket Australia (CA), which has yet to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Having stepped back from T20 cricket, Starc was not included in Australia's T20 World Cup squad. His last competitive appearance was in January during the 2026 Big Bash League (BBL) final, where he played for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers. Starc joined the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 IPL, being acquired by the franchise led by Axar Patel for ₹11.75 crore, and took 14 wickets in 11 matches before missing the tournament's short break due to Operation Sindoor.