Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mitchell Starc is yet to receive a No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia (CA) ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), raising uncertainty over his availability for the season opener. DC are scheduled to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1, but Starc’s participation remains unclear as the franchise awaits clearance.

Speaking at a media interaction, Delhi Capitals cricket director Venugopal Rao said the Australian pacer’s fitness is a concern. “Starc will come, we are just waiting for the NOC because his fitness is a concern. We are just waiting for it,” Rao said.

Starc was one of DC's  key performers last season, finishing as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 11 matches. The left-arm pacer was retained by the franchise after being bought for Rs 11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Known for his pace and ability to swing the new ball, Starc has taken 65 wickets in 52 IPL matches at an average of 23.12.

Meanwhile, several other Australian players are also facing availability issues at the start of the tournament. Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins are expected to miss the initial matches due to injuries.

Jack Edwards and Nathan Ellis have already been ruled out of the season with injuries, further affecting Australian participation in IPL 2026.

Delhi Capitals will open their campaign at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with the franchise hoping for clarity on Starc’s status before the match.