Mitchell Starc calls out critics, reveals injury setback behind IPL delay

Mitchell Starc hit back at critics and clarified that injury, not lack of commitment, has delayed his IPL 2026 return for Delhi Capitals. The Australian pacer revealed he is recovering from shoulder and elbow issues, the full extent of which became clear only after the Australian summer.

Starc strongly criticised sections of the media for spreading what he called misinformed opinions about his IPL participation. He insisted he remains focused on rehab and is determined to return to action for DC once fully fit, putting an end to speculation surrounding his absence.

IPL 2026 Full Coverage | Points Table

“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I'm currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn't know the extent of during the Australian summer,” Starc said in a statement on Instagram.

“These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me,” Starc said.

Starc apologised to the Capitals and their fans for missing the early part of IPL 2026, but reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise and said he is working hard to return soon.

“With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” Starc added.

ALYSSA HEALY SHUTS DOWN DC FAN

Recently, a Delhi Capitals fan voiced his frustration in the comments section of one of Mitchell Starc’s Instagram posts, questioning why the pacer would miss the team’s opening games while fellow Australians Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had already joined their respective IPL franchises.

“This is so unfair to us @delhicapitals fan that Hazlewood and Cummins despite being injured will be available for their teams but you won’t be,” the fan wrote.

Starc’s wife, former Australia Women’s wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, responded firmly, clarifying that the left-arm quick is currently nursing an injury and is not yet fit enough to bowl. Meanwhile, DC head coach Hemang Badani said the franchise is still awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia regarding Starc’s availability.

Starc has played 10 matches for the Capitals, taking 14 wickets at an economy rate of 10.17, including a five-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad last season. The Capitals are set to begin their campaign on Wednesday, April 1, against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score