Aakash Chopra Criticizes Cricket Australia for Delaying ‘Fully Fit’ Mitchell Starc in IPL 2026
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has publicly questioned Cricket Australia regarding its workload management strategy, specifically the reported decision to delay Mitchell Starc’s availability for the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League. Chopra criticized the logic of resting a fully fit player who recently retired from T20 Internationals, especially considering the Delhi Capitals rely on him to lead their bowling attack.
Cricket Australia’s Workload Management Examined
During a recent broadcast, Chopra expressed confusion regarding the national board’s player availability protocols. With Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins already sidelined due to injuries, Starc’s delayed arrival creates significant issues for his IPL franchise.
“If Mitchell Starc is also not going to come at the start, what is Cricket Australia doing? You didn’t let Josh Hazlewood come, Pat Cummins isn’t coming, and now you have held back Mitchell Starc, even though he is absolutely fit,” Chopra stated. He noted that Starc has not played competitive cricket in nearly two months.
Chopra questioned the necessity of preserving Starc so early ahead of Australia’s upcoming Test commitments, pointing out that the fast bowler has had ample recovery time following his recent international appearances.
Status of Missing IPL 2026 Players
| Player | IPL Franchise | Reason for Absence |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | Delhi Capitals | Workload Management |
| Lockie Ferguson | Punjab Kings | Personal Leave (Family) |
| Pat Cummins | Unlisted | Injury Recovery |
| Josh Hazlewood | Unlisted | Injury Recovery |
Lockie Ferguson’s Extended Personal Leave
Beyond the Australian contingent, Chopra highlighted the situation surrounding New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson. Punjab Kings acquired Ferguson for ₹2 crore at the auction, but reports indicate he will miss the first seven matches of the tournament to spend time with his family.
“He was bought for ₹2 crore. He is playing for New Zealand. Then he will go home and spend time with his family. It’s not a bad thing, but if you are leaving seven matches in the IPL after giving a commitment just because of that, then teams will have to realize that this is not right,” Chopra observed.
Impact on Franchise Auction Strategies
The growing trend of international players missing significant portions of the tournament has forced franchises to reconsider their drafting methodologies. According to historical player data from ESPN Cricinfo, unexpected absences drastically alter team compositions and expected win shares in franchise cricket.
- Availability Risks: Franchises are becoming hesitant to bid high for players with histories of mid-season withdrawals or strict national board limitations.
- Pro-Rata Contracts: Chopra suggested that partial participation could lead to strict pro-rata payments becoming the standard for overseas players to protect team budgets.
- Workload Conflicts: National boards prioritizing the International Cricket Council World Test Championship often pull players from domestic leagues prematurely to mitigate injury risks.
As the tournament approaches, franchise management teams will need to address these availability gaps through replacement signings or an increased reliance on domestic player development.