Akash Chopra has expressed concern over Cricket Australia’s decision to delay. Mitchell StarcK’s availability for IPL 2026, questions the logic behind resting a fully fit player.Starc, who was expected to lead the bowling attack for Delhi Capitals, is likely to miss the opening matches due to workload management despite having not played any competitive cricket for nearly two months.In a video on her YouTube channel, Chopra expressed her confusion over the move, especially with other Australian fast people. Josh Hazlewood And Pat Cummins Already out due to injuries“What is Cricket Australia doing if Mitchell Starc is not even starting? You didn’t let Josh Hazlewood come, Pat Cummins is not coming, and now you have stopped Mitchell Starc, even though he is perfectly fit. He has already said goodbye to T20Is. So what has he done in the last two months?” he said.Chopra pointed out that Starc has not featured in a match since the 2025-26 Ashes and questioned the need to reserve him so soon for the upcoming five-Test series against India.“He hasn’t played any cricket since the Ashes, but still, you’ve asked him to rest because there’s a big Test season coming up, with five Tests against India. It’s just before the next IPL. Why are you doing this now?” he observed.The former India batsman also suggested that franchises would need to rethink their stance soon if players miss IPL matches despite being fit only as a precaution.Chopra also spoke. Loki Fergusonwho is reportedly set to miss the start of IPL 2026 to spend time with his family.“I’m thinking about Lockie Ferguson, and it’s a serious thing. I don’t know if he’s injured or not, but based on what I’ve read, he’s out for seven games. He is saying he wants to spend some time with the family,” he said.Ferguson, who will represent Punjab Kings after being picked up for ₹ 2 crore, could miss a crucial part of the tournament, which Chopra believes franchisees will need to take seriously.“He was available at base price, he was bought for Rs 2 crore. He is playing for New Zealand, then he will go home and spend time with his family. It is not a bad thing, don’t judge anyone, but if you are missing seven matches in the IPL after making a commitment just because of that, then the teams have to understand that it is not right,” observed Chopra.Chopra added that players are increasingly likely to opt for partial participation while paying pro rata, though he clarified that he was not accusing anyone of doing so intentionally.
