Why is Mitchell Starc arriving late for IPL 2026?

Mitchell Starc is arriving late for IPL 2026 as part of his workload management ahead of a busy Test schedule.

Which Australian players will join IPL 2026 late?

Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood are expected to join their IPL franchises late for the 2026 season.

When does the IPL 2026 season start?

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 28.

Home / Sports / Starc's IPL absence sparks Chopra's ire

Starc's IPL absence sparks Chopra's ire

22 Mar

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Summary

Mitchell Starc to join IPL late due to workload management.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra criticizes Cricket Australia's decision.
IPL 2026 season is scheduled to commence on March 28.

Cricket Australia's decision to allow Mitchell Starc to join his IPL franchise late for the 2026 season has been met with criticism from former India player Aakash Chopra. Starc is the latest Australian player confirmed to have a delayed arrival, with his workload being managed ahead of a busy Test schedule.

Chopra expressed his dissatisfaction, questioning Cricket Australia's stance on player availability for the Indian Premier League. He highlighted that IPL franchises offer substantial employment to international cricketers and questioned the rationale behind their delayed participation, particularly when it's due to workload management rather than injury.