Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc fumed over the Indian media for speculating false information about his lack of commitment towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The 36-year-old was reported to miss out on the initial phases of the ongoing tournament. A variety of discussions arose on social media. A few of them criticized that Starc deliberately planned to quit the opening clash against Lucknow Super Giants on April 01 (Wednesday).
Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer posted an official message on his social media revealing a crucial update about his elbow injury and recent physical fitness. He promised to return to the IPL season 19 only when he becomes fully fit.
‘Heavily Misinformed Players Opinion’: Mitchell Starc
As the speculations continued to escalate to a peak level, Mitchell Starc revealed a meaningful statement on his Instagram post about his IPL 2026 participation.
“No! Regardless of the opinions and views shared by certain individuals on their social media platforms, as well as the Indian media, I am undergoing rehab.
This is an important phase for me to recover from an elbow and shoulder injury sustained during the Australian summer, which I wasn’t completely aware of.
Shockingly, these individuals revealed some strong statements about my involvement in IPL. There were heavy, misinformed opinions about players, preaching their guesses to be facts. Also, it was claimed that they knew my body condition better than I do,” Starc said.
Aussie Pacer Apologized to Delhi Capitals and Fans
Mitchell Starc promised to work hard on making an instant comeback for the Delhi Capitals. The veteran speedster sought an apology to the franchise as well as their fans for missing the starting stages of IPL 2026.
“See! I accept that the timing of this injury is highly disruptive to the Delhi Capitals. My sincere apologies to the team and fans for missing out on the initial phase of this season.
At the same time, I promise to remain committed to joining DC and contribute my best till I am available for the team,” Starc added.
Mitchell Starc’s Wife Responds to The Fan’s Criticism
Former Australian women’s cricketer and Mitchell Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, responded to a fan’s comment in an Instagram post.
Here is what the fan commented on Starc’s social media post:
“Look! On behalf of every Delhi Capitals fan, it is unfair to the team. For instance, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ensured their availability to their teams despite being injured. But, you won’t be available for your team,” the fan pointed out Hazlewood and Cummins availability for their teams despite injury, but criticized Starc’s commitment.
Healy, who retired from international cricket this month (March 2026), countered the fans’ comments by revealing the severity of her husband’s injury and his inability to bowl:
“Possibly! The main reason is none other than his injury. How can he play when he is unable to bowl?” the former Aussie wicketkeeper slammed at a fan’s question.
Former Indian Opener Criticized Mitchell Starc
Aakash Chopra, the cricketer turned commentator, was one among those critics who believed Mitchell Starc was absolutely fit. He criticized the Australian pacer’s lack of dedication towards the sport since the conclusion of the Ashes in January 2026.
“Certainly! What was Cricket Australia doing when Mitchell Starc was not ready to feature in the league at the start? Let’s assume he is completely fit. So, what has he done in the past two months? He had enough time to kickstart his preparations as he already bid goodbye to the T20 Internationals (T20Is),” Chopra questioned while speaking on his YouTube channel.
Likewise, another former Indian opener, Sunil Gavaskar, although he preferred not to mention Starc’s name, added fuel to the existing debate. The legendary batter said players are taking IPL for granted by missing out on matches despite not being prone to any injury concerns. He suggested all franchises adhere to a stringent stance by not even considering acquiring such players in future auctions.
DC Head Coach Expects NOC From CA
Hemang Badani, the current head coach of the Delhi Capitals, opened up that the entire team management is awaiting Cricket Australia to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and officially confirm his availability.
“Of Course! Our discussions with Mitchell Starc and the relevant boards are ongoing. However, the good news is that he attended the net session and started bowling.
Unless Cricket Australia grants the NOC and confirms the Aussie cricketer’s availability, there is little that we can do as a franchise.
We need to wait for the clearance to get full clarity on his return to the DC squad, and then we will plan according to that,” Badani said.
Also Read: IPL Telecast in Bangladesh: Ban Lifted or Still in Existence?
Final Thoughts
Mitchell Starc’s strong statement reveals the frustration and criticism of social media for falsely accusing him of having misinformed opinions about his IPL presence.
The Australian bowler chose not to reveal any names, but the statements from fans on social media, as well as from former Indian cricketers, have openly criticized not only his delayed arrival but also that of overseas players in general.
It remains to be seen how DC fills the void left by Starc for the starting matches of IPL 2026.
