NOC’s sword hanging over Australia’s strong player playing in IPL 2026, Delhi Capitals sitting in hope

New Delhi: Delhi Capitals said on Monday that Cricket Australia has not yet given the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Mitchell Starc to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but they are hopeful that their leading fast bowler will join the team before the opening match of the tournament on April 1. Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel, cricket director Venugopal Rao and head coach Hemang Badani, while talking to the media here on Monday, answered several questions related to the availability of their fast bowler. Starc took 14 wickets in 11 matches last season.

Badani said, “We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. As soon as we get him, we will know when he will join the team. When asked about the delay in getting the NOC, he said, “We are in constant touch with Cricket Australia. He is practicing bowling, he bowled a few days ago also. Until Cricket Australia declares him fit to play, no franchise can do anything.

Rao, sitting next to him, further said, “He is coming, it is just a question of getting the NOC from Cricket Australia.” He is under the supervision of Cricket Australia. We are also keeping an eye on his fitness.” Sitting with Rao and Badani, Akshar was asked that if Starc does not reach for the match against Lucknow Super Giants to be played in Lucknow on April 1, then whether he is ready to play T. Natarajan in his place.

Akshar said, “It is difficult to answer this at this time. If Starc gets NOC, he can come even before the opening match. We are waiting for that information. If he does not come, then it is not necessary that we include another left-arm fast bowler in the team in place of the left-arm fast bowler.” He said, ”It is a matter of team combination. However, Natarajan is performing very well and is completely fit. Natarajan was able to play only two matches last season due to a shoulder injury.