Mitchell Starc cleared by Cricket Australia to join Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026

Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been cleared by Cricket Australia (CA) to travel to India and join Delhi Capitals for the ongoing 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Starc, who played all five games of Australia's 2025-26 Ashes campaign, has overcome his elbow and shoulder issues and will now be available to render his services for his IPL franchise.

The 36-year-old shouldered the bulk of the weight of Australia's pace bowling attack during the Ashes in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. While Hazlewood suffered an Achilles injury and couldn't take part in the marquee series at all, Cummins played just the Adelaide Test and was advised to rest by Cricket Australia's medical staff.

Starc sent down a total of 153.1 overs across five Tests during the course of the Ashes. He claimed 31 wickets, averaging 19.93 and was adjudged the Player of the Series for helping Australia retain the urn Down Under.

Following a memorable 4-1 Ashes win, Starc turned for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) and played five games. He fell awkwardly on his shoulder and elbow and sustained injuries while attempting a catch in a game against Perth Scorchers. He has been undergoing rehab since and was quick to dismiss "misinformed opinions" regarding his initial unavailability for Delhi Capitals.

"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 wrote on Instagram.

"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."

Starc is expected to be available for Delhi before their away game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.