Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has called on Cricket Australia to withdraw its alleged decision. Mitchell Starc from the early stages of the IPL, citing workload management concerns.
The left-arm fast bowler was expected to lead the bowling attack of Delhi Capitals, but now he is sure to miss the first few matches. He joins the long list of Australian fast bowlers who will miss a part or all of the 2026 IPL. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, battling separate fitness issues, will miss the opening round, while Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards are out completely with hamstring and foot problems respectively.
Chopra has clearly questioned Cricket Australia's plans to rest their key fast bowlers ahead of a tough 12 months of cricket after the IPL.
“If even Mitchell Starc is not going to start, then what is Cricket Australia doing? You have not allowed Josh Hazlewood to come, Pat Cummins is not coming and now you have stopped Mitchell Starc even though he is absolutely fit. He has already retired from T20. So, what has he done in the last two months?” He said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
Starc, who announced his retirement from the shortest format, last played in the 2025-26 Men's Ashes. Playing all five Tests, his 31 wickets helped Australia defeat England, and retain the Ashes, winning the series 4–1. Starc was named player-of-the-series for his exploits.
Chopra mentioned that having not played cricket since the Ashes, Starc is being rested for the Test programme, which also includes a five-Test series in India ahead of next year's IPL.
“He has not played any cricket after the Ashes, but despite this, you have asked him to rest because there is a big Test season coming up, with five Test matches against India. It is just before the next IPL. Why are you doing this now?” He observed.
After the end of IPL, Australia's schedule is very busy. Before defending their ODI World Cup title in late 2027, with three historic series against South Africa, India and England, they will want their star pace trio to be fit and active for these tasks.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1.
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