Saturday, 25th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 24th April 2026, 5:19 PM
SYDNEY — The veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has officially received medical and competitive clearance from Cricket Australia (CA) to participate in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following a prolonged period of rehabilitation, the left-arm seamer is set to travel to India immediately to join the Delhi Capitals squad.
Reports from the franchise and the national governing body suggest that Starc could be available for selection as early as 1 May, when Delhi Capitals are scheduled to face the Rajasthan Royals.
Starc’s absence from the initial stages of the IPL was necessitated by significant physical setbacks sustained during the concluding match of the most recent Ashes series against England. During that high-intensity encounter, the 36-year-old suffered dual injuries to his shoulder and elbow, which subsequently mandated an extensive period of rest and targeted physiotherapy.
Since the conclusion of the international summer, Starc has been under the strict supervision of Cricket Australia’s medical department. While his primary objective had always been to return to competitive action via the IPL, the complexity of managing both shoulder and elbow issues forced him to miss the opening weeks of the tournament. The Delhi Capitals, having secured his services in the preceding player auction, have been operating with a modified bowling attack in his absence.
In a formal communication issued this week, Cricket Australia confirmed that Starc has met all the necessary fitness benchmarks required to resume professional duties. The board stated that the player has been granted the requisite “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) to join his domestic franchise in India.
“Mitchell Starc has been granted permission to resume playing. He will now join the Delhi Capitals camp to complete his final preparations,” a spokesperson for the board confirmed.
The medical clearance signifies that Starc’s joint stability and bowling workload have reached levels deemed safe for the rigours of T20 cricket. His integration into the Delhi camp will involve a series of high-intensity net sessions and fitness assessments to ensure he is acclimatised to the subcontinental conditions before making his debut for the season.
The inclusion of Mitchell Starc is expected to provide a significant boost to the Delhi Capitals’ bowling department, which has sought greater penetration during the powerplay and death-overs phases. Starc, renowned for his ability to extract swing with the new ball and deliver precise yorkers at high velocity, brings a wealth of international experience to the side.
If his preparation proceeds without further complications, the target fixture for his return is the clash against the Rajasthan Royals on 1 May. This match is viewed as a critical encounter for Delhi as they look to solidify their position in the league standings. The franchise’s coaching staff, led by fellow Australian Ricky Ponting, will be tasked with managing Starc’s workload to ensure he remains fit for the duration of the tournament and the subsequent international calendar.
Starc’s return comes at a pivotal juncture in the 2026 season. With the tournament progressing toward the mid-point, his arrival provides Delhi with a “full-strength” overseas contingent. Historically, Starc has been selective regarding his participation in domestic T20 leagues to prioritise his fitness for Australian Test and ODI commitments. His decision to participate this year underscores his readiness to return to the global stage following his injury layoff.
The Rajasthan Royals, currently one of the form teams in the competition, will provide a stern test for the returning pacer. Cricket analysts suggest that the battle between Starc’s left-arm pace and the Royals’ top-order will be a focal point of the upcoming fixture. As of now, Starc is expected to depart for India within the next 48 hours to begin his mandatory team protocols.
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