IPL 2026 is already seeing multiple availability concerns even before the tournament gets fully underway, with several top players set to miss games. Among them, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will not feature in the early stages of the season, joining teammates Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in delaying their participation. The decision highlights how teams are being forced to manage player workloads and long-term schedules.
Mitchell Starc to Miss Early IPL 2026 Matches
Mitchell Starc will skip the initial part of IPL 2026, adding to the list of high-profile absentees at the start of the tournament. The Australian fast bowler’s decision comes as part of workload management, especially with a demanding international calendar ahead.
From August, Australia’s Test side is expected to play up to 21 matches in a span of 12 months, including major tours of South Africa, India, and England. With such a packed schedule, managing player fitness has become a priority.
Starc has already had a heavy workload over the past year. He featured in all five Ashes Tests and returned to play in the latter stages of the Big Bash League. However, he skipped the T20 World Cup after retiring from T20 Internationals last year. Reports also highlight that he bowled more deliveries in Tests than almost every fast bowler, except India’s Mohammed Siraj, underlining the need for careful workload planning.
Australian Trio Absence Adds to IPL 2026 Challenges
Starc is not the only Australian player missing early matches. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will also sit out the beginning of IPL 2026, leaving their respective franchises to adjust their bowling combinations.
The absence of this pace trio is expected to impact multiple teams. Cummins, who leads Sunrisers Hyderabad, will miss the start, with Ishan Kishan set to step in initially. Starc and Hazlewood will also leave early gaps in their teams’ bowling attacks.
At the same time, several franchises are already dealing with similar issues. Punjab Kings will be without Lockie Ferguson for the first seven matches due to personal reasons, while Rajasthan Royals have lost Sam Curran for the entire season because of a groin injury. These parallel setbacks show how teams across the league are being forced to adapt early in IPL 2026.
Despite these absences, Australian representation in the league remains strong. Players like Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David are still set to feature, ensuring that the Australian presence in IPL 2026 continues to be significant even with a few early withdrawals.
