Why Mitchell Starc Is Not Playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 Opener?

Mitchell Starc did not play for Delhi Capitals in their first match of Indian Premier League 2026 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Starc is an important player for Delhi, and the team had bought him for ₹11.75 crore before IPL 2025. Starc has not joined the DC squad in India and he recently confirmed that he is recovering from a shoulder and an elbow injury.

Mitchell Starc responds to criticism, confirms injury and commitment to return

In response to the criticism over his absence, Starc stated, "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."

Meanwhile, Starc apologised to the DC management for his injury and said he is fully committed to returning as soon as possible.

"With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team, and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap," he said.

Mitchell Starc made his statement after his commitment was questioned for missing games for the Delhi Capitals. He did not get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia, as they were managing the workload of their main fast bowlers.