Mitchell Starc has joined Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in postponing IPL 2026 starts as Cricket Australia struggles to manage the workload of the big three pacers ahead of a busy international schedule. The update, provided by cricket.com.au on Friday March 20, comes after it was revealed Nathan Ellis has been ruled out for the upcoming season after re-injuring his hamstring in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Cummins was away from international cricket for a considerable time, last appearing in December 2025 against England at the Adelaide Oval, taking three wickets in both innings. The SRH skipper was also ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury and has since focused on regaining full fitness.
Hazlewood has followed a similar trajectory as he has been sidelined with injury over the last few months. The Australian quick made his last appearance in competitive cricket in November 2025 in New South Wales before missing both the Ashes and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Starc played all five Ashes Tests and the final leg of the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers. He did not play the T20 World Cup after retiring from the format. However, Starc is being managed by Cricket Australia after bowling more balls in Test cricket than any other paceman apart from Mohammed Siraj over the past 12 months.
CA BE CAREFUL WITH STARS, CUMMINS, PRESSWOOD
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Cricket Australia have opted for a cautious approach with the big three pacers, keeping in mind the hectic schedule for next year. From early August, Australia’s Test team is scheduled to play 21 matches over 12 months, including tours of South Africa, India and then the summer Ashes.
The Aussies’ defense of their ODI World Cup crown will follow in late 2027, where Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are expected to play a big role. The trio’s return to the IPL will depend on the progress they make in returning to playing protocols over the next few weeks.
SRH have already named Ishan Kishan as interim captain until Cummins returns. Hazlewood, who plays for RCB, will be a big mistake for the defending champions in the season opener against Hyderabad. Starc, who plays for DC, will miss the opening match against LSG on April 1.
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Published on:
20 March 2026 09:50 IST
