Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants.
The IPL 2026 season is hit by a pre-tournament injury crisis, with key international players, including the Australian pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc set to miss the initial matches.
While Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) have joined their respective IPL teams, Starc is yet to join the Delhi Capitals camp.
Recently, DC coach Hemang Badani stated that they are waiting for a final No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia regarding Starc's fitness.
While not officially ruled out of the entire tournament, the 36-year-old is undergoing rehab and is unlikely to be available for the first few games.
On the eve of the IPL 2026 opener, Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, confirmed that the left-arm pacer is carrying an injury as she addressed fan concerns about his delayed arrival.
Healy defended Starc's IPL absence with a comment on Instagram. A DC fan had written in the comments section of a post: “This is so unfair to us DC fan that Hazelwood and Cummins despite being injured will be available for their teams but you won’t be.”
In reply, Healy wrote: “Probably cause he’s injured mate…if he can’t bowl how’s he supposed to play?!”
In repose to another comment, she said: “If he was fully fit he’d be there…”
The franchise has also lost the services of opener Ben Duckett, who has pulled out of tournament to concentrate on England cricket.
The Capitals will open their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Cricket Stadium.