Mitchell Starc Joins Hazlewood and Cummins in Missing IPL Start; Edwards Injured
Synopsis
New Delhi reports that Mitchell Starc will miss the IPL start, joining Hazlewood and Cummins on the sidelines. Cricket Australia prioritizes player health before a demanding schedule. Additionally, Jack Edwards is ruled out with injury, impacting the Sunrisers Hyderabad's lineup for the season opener.
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Starc misses IPL start due to management by Cricket Australia.
Jack Edwards sidelined with a foot injury.
Cricket Australia emphasizes player health before an extensive international schedule.
Franchises like SRH must adjust their lineups accordingly.
Season opener is set for March 28 in Bengaluru .
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Following the announcements regarding Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, it has now been confirmed that Mitchell Starc will also be absent from the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off on March 28. This decision comes as Cricket Australia adopts a cautious stance towards its key fast bowlers in light of an upcoming busy international schedule. Furthermore, Jack Edwards has been sidelined due to a foot injury.
Since the third Ashes Test in Adelaide in December 2025, Cummins has not participated in any competitive cricket, having been ruled out following the West Indies tour due to a stress injury in his lumbar vertebrae. Consequently, he missed the remaining Ashes matches and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to this ongoing issue.
On the other hand, Hazlewood was absent for the entire Ashes series due to complications with his hamstring and Achilles. Starc, who participated in all five Ashes Tests along with the later stages of the Big Bash League, is also under management from Cricket Australia after logging more overs than any other fast bowler in the past year.
Given that the Test team is set to play up to 21 matches within a span of 12 months, including tours of South Africa, India, and England, Cricket Australia is being prudent with its multi-format bowlers, especially before defending their ODI World Cup title in late 2027.
Starc (playing for Delhi Capitals), Hazlewood (with Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Cummins (representing Sunrisers Hyderabad) will leave significant gaps in their teams' lineups at the tournament's outset. In Cummins' absence, Indian wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan is set to lead the Sunrisers.
The availability of this trio will be contingent on their progress in recovery protocols over the upcoming weeks, according to cricket.com.au.
Additionally, SRH will also be without the Australian allrounder Jack Edwards, who has sustained a foot injury.
At just 25 years old, Edwards was signed by SRH for Rs 3 crore in the last auction and was anticipated to make his IPL debut this season, being the only uncapped overseas player acquired in the 2025 auction.
SRH is set to participate in the season opener on March 28 in Bengaluru, facing off against the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Moreover, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time champions, are feeling the impact of losing pacer Nathan Ellis, who will miss the entire competition due to a hamstring injury that hasn't healed in time, as confirmed by the franchise’s CEO KS Viswanathan during a recent event in Chennai.
Ellis has experienced a recurrence of a right hamstring injury he sustained prior to the T20 World Cup.
Among the 16 Australian players on IPL rosters for the 2026 season are Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the strategic decisions made by Cricket Australia in light of player health and the rigorous international schedule ahead. The impact on IPL teams is significant, underscoring the challenges that franchises will face as they navigate these unforeseen absences.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood missing the IPL?
Cricket Australia is prioritizing the health of its top fast bowlers, managing their workloads ahead of a packed international schedule.
What injury has Jack Edwards sustained?
Jack Edwards has been ruled out of the IPL due to a foot injury.
When does the IPL season start?
The IPL season is set to begin on March 28.
Which teams are affected by the absence of these players?
The Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad will feel the impact of these key players' absences.
How will teams adjust to these injuries?
Franchises will need to adapt their strategies and lineups to compensate for the missing players.
