Mitchell Starc’s availability for IPL 2027 remains uncertain, with the Australian left-arm fast bowler yet to make a final decision on whether he will return to the tournament. Although the next season is still months away, questions have already emerged about the participation of Australia’s leading players amid a demanding international schedule. Starc, who is currently contracted to Delhi Capitals (DC), recently addressed the situation in an interview with Courier Mail Sport.
The experienced pacer confirmed that discussions had taken place but stressed that no final decision had been made regarding his availability for IPL 2027. “I’ve had a few discussions. Nothing’s concrete as yet,” Mitchell Starc was quoted as saying by the Australian publication. Delhi Capitals secured Starc’s services for Rs 11.75 crore at the IPL 2024 mega auction. His availability for the upcoming season could depend on his fitness, workload and Australia’s international commitments.
If fit and selected, Mitchell Starc is expected to be part of Australia’s squad for the five-Test tour of India, scheduled to run from January 21 to March 3, 2027. The tour will be followed by a one-off Test against England to mark 150 years since the first Test between the two nations. With IPL 2027 also expected to begin around that period, the packed calendar could complicate Starc’s participation.
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Starc made his first-class debut in 2009 before breaking into international cricket a year later. He initially featured in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2014 and 2015 but subsequently stayed away from the tournament for nearly a decade to prioritise his commitments with Australia.
The left-arm pacer returned to the IPL in 2024 and played an important role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign. He later joined Delhi Capitals, where his experience and ability to deliver with the new ball and at the death made him a valuable option. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has previously indicated that the IPL remains an important part of the team’s broader player-management strategy. However, he emphasised that participation must be balanced against the physical demands of international cricket.
🚨 STARC UNSURE ABOUT HIS IPL RETURN. 🚨
– Mitchell Starc yet to decide on whether to return for IPL 2027 or take a rest ahead of the Ashes.
The IPL could clash with the 150th anniversary of Test cricket. (Code Sports). https://t.co/mYVOgVoj8L
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 15, 2026
“I know people will start talking about the IPL and filling that time and what does that look like,” Andrew McDonald told ESPNcricinfo. He added that exposure to the IPL can benefit Australia’s players, but managing workloads remains essential, particularly for fast bowlers. “The IPL is part of our management plan for a lot of our players, and to expose our best players in what I believe is the best competition in terms of T20 cricket has its performance benefits as well. You’ve just got to balance that out.”
McDonald also stressed the importance of allowing fast bowlers sufficient time to recover and prepare for Australia’s demanding Test commitments.
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The Australia coach indicated that decisions regarding IPL participation would be made towards the end of the India tour, with workloads assessed as the series progresses. “You make decisions from Test match to Test match, and the IPL will be a decision once again at the back end of the India (tour),” he said. For Delhi Capitals, Starc’s availability will remain an important consideration as they prepare for IPL 2027. Until a decision is confirmed, his participation in the tournament remains uncertain.
