Aussie quick Mitchell Starc will miss the early stages of IPL 2026, joining Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in sitting out the start of the tournament.
The decision comes against the backdrop of a demanding road ahead. From August, Australia’s Test side is braced for a punishing run of up to 21 matches in 12 months, featuring marquee tours of South Africa, India and England, before shifting focus to defending the ODI World Cup in southern Africa in late 2027.
Starc’s workload has been substantial. The 36-year-old played all five Ashes Tests and returned for the back end of the Big Bash League, but skipped the T20 World Cup after retiring from T20 Internationals last year. Over the past 12 months, he has bowled more deliveries in Tests than any fast bowler apart from India’s Mohammed Siraj, prompting careful management.
Last year, Australian left-arm speedster returned home once the IPL was suspended on May 8. The Capitals bought Starc at the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs. 11.75 cr. Starc featured in 11 games for the franchise in the last edition, taking 14 wickets at an economy rate of over 10.
The absence of Australia’s pace trio will be felt across franchises. Cummins leads Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Ishan Kishan set to stand in at the start. Starc and Hazlewood ( Royal Challengers Bengaluru) also leave early-season gaps in their respective attacks.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will be further depleted, with Cricket NSW confirming Jack Edwards, bought for $500,000 at the December auction, will miss the tournament due to a foot injury.
Despite the setbacks, Australian representation remains strong. Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David are among the 16 Australians contracted for IPL 2026, which is scheduled to run through late May.
Published on Mar 20, 2026
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