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DC Coach on Starc's IPL 2026 Status: Awaiting Cricket Australia NOC

Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani stated the franchise is awaiting a No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia for Mitchell Starc's participation in IPL 2026. Starc's fitness and workload are under assessment, potentially causing him to miss the tournament's opening phase. Cricket Australia is being cautious due to a heavy upcoming schedule for the national team. The Australian pacer was a key performer for DC last season, taking 14 wickets in 11 matches.

Key Points: Mitchell Starc IPL 2026 Availability Update from DC Coach

  • Awaiting NOC from Cricket Australia
  • Starc's fitness being monitored
  • May miss initial IPL matches
  • CA managing workload for packed schedule
  • DC's second-highest wicket-taker last season
2 min read

"Waiting to get NOC from Cricket Australia": DC head coach on Starc's availability for IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani says Mitchell Starc's arrival for IPL 2026 hinges on NOC from Cricket Australia. Get the latest update.

"We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us. - Hemang Badani"

New Delhi, March 23

Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani provided a crucial update on the availability of Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026.

Badani said they are awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia for Starc's arrival in the squad for the IPL 2026. He noted that the Starc's fitness and workload are being monitored, and the team will provide updates once the NOC is received. Badani was speaking in a media interaction, along with DC skipper Axar Patel, cricket director Venugopal Rao, in New Delhi.

"We are in constant touch with Cricket Australia. He has been bowling; he had bowled a few days back. Unless Cricket Australia signs off on him that he is fit to play, there is little a franchise can do," Badani said.

"We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us," Badani added.

DC's Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao also offered a positive outlook on Starc's eventual arrival.

"Starc is coming. Only waiting for the clearance from Cricket Australia," he said.

Starc is expected to miss at least the initial phase of the tournament. CA is taking a precautionary approach with their veteran pacer as they are set to have a lengthy 12-month period, where they will play up to 21 matches, including crucial tours of South Africa, India and England, before defending their ODI World Cup crown in southern Africa in late 2027.

Ace speedster Starc was DC's second-highest wicket-taker last season, picking up 14 wickets in 11 matches. IPL is set to kick off from March 28, while Delhi Capitals will start their campaign with a match against LSG on April 1 in Lucknow.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I understand CA's caution. Starc is a precious asset for them with a packed schedule ahead. Player workload management is crucial. Hope he joins DC soon though, he's a joy to watch! 🏏
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Ananya R
Frustrating for DC fans, yaar. We pay so much money at the auction and then have to wait for NOCs. BCCI should have stronger agreements with other boards. Our league shouldn't be treated as secondary.
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Vikram M
Positive that Rao sir said "Starc is coming." The management seems confident. His 14 wickets last season were crucial. Even if he misses a few matches, his experience in the middle and death overs will be gold for our young Indian bowlers.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the IPL ecosystem is strong enough. We have amazing Indian talent. While Starc is a star, this is a chance for someone like Khaleel Ahmed or Ishant Sharma to step up and lead the attack. Believe in our domestic players!
M
Michael C
The schedule clash is real. 21 matches for Australia in 12 months is insane. Player welfare has to come first, even if it affects IPL teams. Good on CA for being protective.

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