Mitchell Starc Slams Critics In India Over IPL 2026 Absence For DC - 'Claim To Know My Body Better Than Me'

Mitchell Starc lashed out at his critics over his absence from the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The Australian pacer is set to start the season and has recieved criticism from several prominent personalities. Even Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar had recently hit out at overseas players for not joining their teams on time. ,However, Starc claimed that several people have used the Indian media to give misinformed opinions.

The 36-year-old claimed that he is nursing an injury.

However, he apologised to DC fans and promised to join the squad as soon as he is fit.,"

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. ,"

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," said Starc in an Instagram story. ,Starc's comments come a day after his wife Alyssa Healy, revealed that he was injured.

Moreover, DC coach Hemang Badani had earlier this week expressed frustration over the delay but claimed it was in Cricket Austarlia's (CA) hands, who have not given him a No Objection Certificate (NOC).,Having retired from T20 cricket, he was not part of Australia's T20 World Cup squad. He last played competitive cricket in January during the 2026 Big Bash League (BBL) final for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers. ,Starc joined DC in the 2025 IPL, where he was signed by the Axar Patel-led franchise for ₹11.75 crore. He took 14 wickets in 11 matches but did not return after the tournament's short break due to Operation Sindoor.,Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.