Amid the conflicts in the Middle East countries, the arrival of the overseas players in the upcoming Indian Premier League season (IPL 2026) has become uncertain. Players from Australia are reportedly facing problems getting No Objection Certificates (NOC); additionally, some of the Aussie players are dealing with major injury problems.
For the IPL 2026 season, the Delhi Capitals have roped in Australian speed star Mitchell Starc. According to the latest reports, the Pacer can land in India after a delay. Ahead of the tournament, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani was asked about the possible arrival date of Mitchell Starc.
When will Mitchell Starc join the Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026 campaign?
In reply, what the coach has said might not make the Delhi Capitals fans happy enough, as Starc is the main cog in their bowling front. Badani said that the pacer is yet to get the required No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia (CA).
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As soon as he receives the clearance, the franchise will have an idea when the player can join the team. According to the latest media reports, Mitchell Starc can miss the initial few matches of the Indian Premier League 2026.
VIDEO | Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani says, “We are waiting for NOC from Cricket Australia” regarding Mitchell Starc’s availability.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tAxBsP4g7c
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026
DC’s Director of Cricket reveals why Mitchell Starc’s NOC is late
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 the media in New Delhi on Monday.
Additionally, there are concerns about the pacer’s fitness as well. DC Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao informed that there are worries around the pacers’ fitness levels, and probably that’s why there is a slight delay regarding the NOC.
“Starc will come, we are just waiting for the NOC because his fitness is a concern. We are just waiting for it,” Rao informed.
Delhi Capitals will kick off their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. As of now, Star is likely to miss the team’s opening fixture of the tournament.
Mitchell Starc is important for the Delhi Capitals as he was the second-highest wicket-taker of the team in the previous campaign, taking 14 wickets from 11 games.
Concerns are there over other Australian cricketers as well ahead of the tournament.Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, pacers of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively, are also set to miss the early few matches, as both of the pacers have injury concerns. They are currently going through the rehabilitation process in Australia. The Australian pacers can take flight to India for the IPL 2026 only after regaining their fitness levels.
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