IPL 2026 Won't Wait: Starc, Cummins, Pathirana Doubts But League Says "Full Fanfare"

IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28, and it is doing so without a few of its biggest overseas names fully in the picture. From Mitchell Starc’s pending NOC to Pat Cummins’ back injury, several franchises are heading into the season with key players either absent or on a timeline. The IPL, however, has made its position clear — the show goes on, and availability calls rest with the teams.

IPL’s Stance: Full Speed Ahead

An IPL official spoke directly to IANS to put any doubts to rest.

“It is up to the franchises to decide on the participation of some foreign players who are missing the tournament. Only the injured players are yet to join, while some others are managing workload concerns. That decision will rest with the franchises. The IPL will commence as scheduled and with full fanfare.”

The 19th edition of the IPL features 10 teams across 74 matches, beginning with the title clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and SunRisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.

Mitchell Starc: No NOC, No Clarity

Delhi Capitals’ biggest overseas signing, Mitchell Starc, has not yet received a No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia, and even the franchise does not know how long he will be out. DC head coach Hemang Badani confirmed that CA has yet to issue the NOC, and until that comes through, there is no firm date for the Australian left-armer’s availability.

Starc is reportedly fully fit — the delay is purely on workload management grounds, with Cricket Australia keeping an eye on his schedule ahead of an upcoming international calendar. DC captain Axar Patel and the management say they are in regular contact with CA and remain hopeful that Starc will join before or shortly after the campaign begins.

Pat Cummins Misses the Start for SRH

SunRisers Hyderabad will begin their campaign without their captain, Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury. Ishan Kishan has been named interim captain for the opening matches, with Abhishek Sharma set to serve as his deputy.

SRH confirmed Cummins will miss a few games while he recovers, with no exact return date given yet. Kishan, who scored 354 runs in 14 matches for SRH last season, takes over the captaincy as the reigning champions of IPL 2025 try to start the new edition on a strong note.

KKR in a Pace Crisis

Kolkata Knight Riders are in a particularly difficult spot. Their big-money overseas pace signing, Matheesha Pathirana, who was bought for ₹18 crore at the auction, will not be available until mid-April at the earliest. The Sri Lankan right-armer is recovering from a calf strain he suffered during the T20 World Cup in early 2026.

To make things worse, KKR have also lost fast bowler Harshit Rana to injury, and the team is yet to confirm a replacement. KKR open their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 and will have to manage their pace attack very carefully in the first few weeks.

Sam Curran Out, Shanaka Steps In for RR

Rajasthan Royals have confirmed that Sam Curran is ruled out of IPL 2026 with an injury. Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who had previously walked out of his PSL contract to sign with RR, is expected to come in as his replacement.

Despite all of this, the IPL has not blinked. Franchises are adapting, replacements are being lined up, and the competition is fully on track to begin as planned. Whether the missing overseas stars join on time or not, the league’s machinery rolls on.