IPL 2026: Here’s the latest update on injured players' availability
IPL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 28th, and all 10 teams are preparing vigorously for this mega tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders have also played intra-squad matches to strengthen their practice. However, there are some teams that have had to deal with injuries to some of their players. However, there is still no word on the availability of some players. In this article, we are going to explore the latest update on injured players’ availability for IPL 2026.
Mitchell Starc (DC)
Delhi Capitals are still waiting for star fast bowler Mitchell Starc to join the team. According to reports from a few days ago, Cricket Australia has not given its experienced fast bowler clearance for the IPL due to Australia's heavy cricket schedule later this year, which could mean Starc misses the initial phase of the IPL. However, according to fresh updates, Starc can join the DC squad ahead of their first match against LSG on April 1st.
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel confirmed in the recently held press conference that Parth Jindal’s franchise is waiting for Cricket Australia to grant Mitchell Starc a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
"It is tough to answer that at this stage. If Starc gets NOC, he can also come before the first match. We are waiting for that update. If he doesn't come, there is no temptation to replace a left-arm pacer with a left-arm pacer. It is about the team combination. Having said that, Natajaran is doing really well and is 100 percent fit,” Axar said.
DC head coach Hemang Badani also confirmed that Starc is fit and has been bowling in the nets. He added that the team is waiting for their ace fast bowler.
“We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us. " We are in constant touch with CA. He has been bowling; he bowled a few days back. Unless Cricket Australia signs off on him that he is fit to play, there is little a franchise can do. "Badani told.
Pat Cummins (SRH)
Ahead of the start of the tournament, good news has arrived for the SRH squad. Reports suggest that Pat Cummins will arrive in India on March 24 and join the squad. Although he won't be a part of the first few matches due to an injury, his addition will undoubtedly boost SRH's morale.
Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
Another Australian ace pacer, Josh Hazlewood, is set to miss at least 2 weeks of the tournament. He will play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB management doesn’t want to take a risk with their star bowler, and it is almost confirmed that Jacob Duffy will play instead of him in the initial phase of the tournament.
Apart from these players, several overseas players are continuously joining their respective squads ahead of the tournament. Eshan Malinga has got the clearance from SLC and got the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in the Indian Premier League 2026. He will report to the Sunrisers team on Tuesday (March 24). He will arrive in Hyderabad along with national teammate Kamindu Mendis, who has already been granted an NOC. Both are a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
However, there is still no update regarding Nuwan Tushara (RCB), Matheesa Pathirana (KKR), and Wanindu Hasaranga (LSG), who are still awaiting clearance from the Sri Lankan board to participate in the league, starting March 28.
Sri Lanka’s skipper, Dasun Shanaka, is set to play in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals. He will join the squad soon, instead of Sam Curran. Curran has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
KKR is also dealing with a couple of injuries to Akash Deep and Harshit Rana’s star bowlers, while they have already released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. A couple of days ago, they announced that Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani will feature in KKR in place of Mustafizur. Reports suggest that Subham Dubey could replace Akash Deep in the KKR squad, while Harshit Rana's replacement has not yet been announced.
