Mitchell Starc responds angrily to criticism after missing IPL 2026 starter, says 'These individuals have made...'

Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has hit back at the "misinformed opinions" circulating regarding his absence from the early stages of the IPL 2026 season. Taking a direct swipe at certain individuals and sections of the Indian media, Starc accused them of using their platforms to spread speculation rather than facts. The pacer expressed clear frustration with the narrative surrounding his fitness, labeling the commentary as largely inaccurate and inflammatory.

Mitchell Starc clarifies IPL 2026 absence, takes aim at critics

Setting the record straight, Starc confirmed that he is currently managing specific issues in both his shoulder and elbow. He clarified that these injuries only came to light recently, contradicting any claims that he or his team had been hiding his physical condition. While he will miss the opening stretch of the tournament to undergo rehabilitation, he remains focused on a recovery timeline that ensures he is fully fit for the business end of the season.

“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer. These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me," Starc's social media post read.

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'I apologise for not being available for the early part of this season'

Starc then apologised to DC management for his unavailability during the early part of this season.

“With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap," Starc added.

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The situation has been further complicated by a perceived lack of clarity from DC management. In several recent press conferences, team officials avoided detailing the specific nature of Starc’s injury, stating only that they were still waiting for Cricket Australia to issue a formal No-Objection Certificate. Head coach Hemang Badani emphasized that while the franchise has remained in constant contact with the board, they cannot integrate the pacer into the squad until he receives an official medical sign-off. Adding to the confusion, reports from Cricket Australia’s own digital platforms suggested a broader strategic reason for the delay. The board appeared to be holding Starc back not just for immediate recovery, but as a preventative measure due to a relentless 2026-2027 international calendar.

It will be interesting to see when Starc links up with DC as the franchise will certainly miss their pace spearhead until the Aussie finally recover from his injury and bolster their bowling line-up.