Delhi Capitals are still awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia for Mitchell Starc ahead of IPL 2026, but remain optimistic that the Australian pacer will join the squad before their opening match. The franchise is in constant touch with CA as uncertainty continues over Starc’s availability.
Starc, who is a key part of DC’s plans, has not yet linked up with the squad despite being fit. With the team set to begin their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, DC management addressed the situation during a media interaction. Speaking on the delay, head coach Hemang Badani explained the current status:
“We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us. We are in constant touch with CA. He has been bowling, he had bowled a few days back. Unless Cricket Australia signs off on him that he is fit to play, there is little a franchise can do.”
Cricket director Venugopal Rao echoed similar sentiments, stressing that Starc’s arrival is only a matter of clearance.
“He is coming, it is just a question of getting the NOC from Cricket Australia. They are monitoring, we are monitoring.”
The delay is understood to be linked to workload management, with Cricket Australia keen to carefully handle their key fast bowlers ahead of a busy international schedule.
