New Delhi, March 28: Amid growing speculation and criticism regarding his late arrival for the 2026 IPL, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has addressed the issue to clarify his circumstances and counter the false reports circulating in the media.
Starc, who is contracted to play for Delhi Capitals, has been sidelined due to an injury to his shoulder and elbow, an issue he only fully understood after the Australian summer. His absence from the team's early matches had fueled rumors and harsh judgments from fans and the media alike, some of whom questioned his commitment and whether he was prioritizing the IPL.
In a candid yet straightforward statement, Starc expressed his frustration with the narratives being spread about his fitness and availability.
"Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I am currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow, the extent of which I didn't fully understand during the Australian summer. These individuals have made strong statements regarding my involvement in the IPL and have provided heavily misinformed opinions about me, presenting them as facts, and claiming to know my body better than I do.
"However, I do acknowledge this injury setback and the timing is disruptive to the Delhi team. I apologize for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to joining DC, am in continual communication, updating the team, and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC as soon as possible," Starc wrote in a statement he posted on his Instagram story.
On Friday, a fan criticized Starc in a social media post about his unavailability, which was met with a response from Alyssa Healy, Starc's wife and a former Australian player. In the post, Starc was photographed standing with Healy and other athletes on a golf course.
"It's so unfair to us Delhi Capitals fans that Hazelwood and Cummins, despite being injured, will be available for their teams, but you won't be," a fan commented.
To this, Healy replied, "Probably because he's injured, mate...if he can't bowl, how is he supposed to play? If he were fully fit, he would be there."