Sports
Starc's IPL Absence Questioned Amid Australian Bowler Availability Concerns
Aakash Chopra has questioned Cricket Australia's workload management of Mitchell Starc, who will miss the beginning of the IPL season. Starc joins other Australian fast bowlers who will miss parts or all of the 2026 IPL tournament.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has criticized Cricket Australia's decision to hold back Mitchell Starc from the initial rounds of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra cited concerns about workload management as the reason for Starc's delayed entry. Starc, a left-arm fast bowler, was expected to lead the Delhi Capitals' bowling attack. He will now miss the first few games of the tournament. Chopra questioned the plan to rest key fast bowlers before a demanding cricket schedule. Other Australian fast bowlers, including Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, will miss the initial rounds due to fitness issues, while Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards are out due to injuries.
Key Facts
- Mitchell Starc will miss the beginning of the IPL season.
- Aakash Chopra has questioned Cricket Australia's workload management.
- Starc was expected to lead the Delhi Capitals' bowling attack.
- Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will miss initial IPL rounds due to fitness issues.
- Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards are ruled out of the IPL due to injuries.
- Starc has retired from T20Is.
- Chopra made his comments on his YouTube channel.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- CricTracker — 'Hasn't played any cricket after the Ashes' - Aakash Chopra questions Mitchell Starc's IPL 2026 absence