Delhi Capitals are still awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia for Mitchell Starc ahead of IPL 2026, but remain optimistic that the Australian pacer will join the team ahead of their opening match. The franchise is in constant contact with CA as uncertainty over Starc’s availability continues.
Starc, who is a key part of DC’s plans, has yet to link up with the team despite being fit. With the team all set to begin their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, the DC management addressed the situation during a media interaction. Speaking about the delay, head coach Hemang Badani explained the current situation:
Read the full article
“We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us. We are in constant contact with CA. He bowled, he bowled a few days ago. Unless Cricket Australia signs him fit to play, there is little the franchise can do.”
Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao echoed similar sentiments, stressing that Starc’s arrival is only a matter of clearance.
“It’s coming, it’s just a matter of getting the NOC from Cricket Australia. They’re monitoring, we’re monitoring.”
The delay is believed to be related to workload management, with Cricket Australia keen to handle their key fast bowlers carefully ahead of a busy international schedule.
WHO DOES DC TURN TO IF STARC IS DELAYED?
With Starc’s arrival still in doubt, DC skipper Axar Patel admitted that the team is keeping its options open rather than creating like-for-like replacements.
“It’s hard to answer at this stage. If Starc gets a NOC, he can come even before the first match. We await that update. If he doesn’t come, there is no temptation to replace the left-arm pacemaker with a left-arm pacemaker.”
Axar also pointed to T Natarajan as a strong alternative, highlighting his fitness and form heading into the season.
“As he said, Natarajan is doing really well and is 100 per cent fit.
The team is expected to focus on overall balance rather than direct replacement, depending on Starc’s availability.
HOW WAS STARC IN IPL 2025?
Starc played a key role for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, taking 14 wickets in 11 matches and justifying his price tag of Rs 11.75 crore. His ability to deliver with the new ball and in the death overs has made him a vital component of the attack.
However, with Australia managing the workload of their leading fast bowlers – including Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – Starc’s late arrival highlights a wider strategy to keep key players fresh for upcoming international engagements.
As DC prepare for another campaign under Axar Patel, the availability of their pace can play a significant role in shaping their start to IPL 2026.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
23 March 2026 17:02 IST
