Australian Pace Trio to Miss IPL 2026 Start as Teams Face Early Setbacks

New Delhi, March 2026 : The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League is set to begin with notable absences, as Australia’s premier fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood are all expected to miss the initial phase of the tournament starting March 28. Cricket Australia has opted for a cautious workload management strategy to keep its key players fit ahead of a demanding international calendar.

Cummins has not featured in competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in Adelaide in December 2025, after suffering a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back during the West Indies tour. The injury not only ruled him out of the remainder of the Ashes but also forced him to miss the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His recovery is still ongoing, prompting a delayed return to franchise cricket.

Hazlewood, on the other hand, missed the entire Ashes series due to a combination of hamstring and Achilles issues. His rehabilitation is being closely monitored, and like Cummins, he is being eased back into action carefully to avoid aggravating his condition.

Starc, who played all five Ashes Tests and later featured in the latter stages of the Big Bash League, is also being managed cautiously. Over the past year, he has bowled more deliveries in Test cricket than any other fast bowler globally, raising concerns about workload and fatigue. As a result, Cricket Australia has decided to prioritise his long-term fitness.

The absence of the trio will significantly impact their respective IPL franchises. Starc’s unavailability is a setback for the Delhi Capitals, while Hazlewood’s absence weakens the bowling attack of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Cummins’ absence leaves a leadership and bowling void for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan expected to take over captaincy duties in the early matches.

Their eventual participation in the tournament will depend on progress in their rehabilitation and clearance through return-to-play protocols in the coming weeks.

Adding to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s concerns, Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards has been ruled out due to a foot injury. The 25-year-old, who was signed for ₹3 crore at the last auction, was set to make his IPL debut this season and was the only uncapped overseas player picked in the 2025 auction.

SRH will begin their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match in Bengaluru on March 28, already facing challenges due to key player absences.

In another blow, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings will also be without Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out after failing to recover from a recurring right hamstring injury. The injury had earlier troubled him in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup and has now resurfaced, ruling him out of the tournament.

Despite these setbacks, a strong Australian presence remains in IPL 2026, with players like Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David set to feature.

With a packed international schedule ahead—including major tours and preparations for future global tournaments—Australia’s decision reflects a long-term approach, even as IPL teams adjust to early-season disruptions.