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Star Australia National Cricket Team pacer Mitchell Starc has yet to decide whether he will participate in the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL), with Australia’s demanding Test schedule expected to play a major role in his decision.
Mitchell Starc has always showed his preference for Test cricket, even when it has meant turning down significant financial opportunities. After spending several years away from the IPL to manage his workload, the Australian quick returned to the competition in 2024 and has since played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.
Mitchell Starc undecided on IPL 2027 as packed Test schedule looms
As per a report in CODE Sports, Mitchell Starc is yet to make a final call on his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 where he is set to represent the Delhi Capitals (DC) under newly appointed head coach Sourav Ganguly. His final decision will depend on how he balances franchise cricket with Australia’s requirements.
Mitchell Starc’s durability has become a defining feature of his career. He has played 30 consecutive Tests since the 2023 Lord’s Test, maintaining his place in Australia’s attack while fellow fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have dealt with periods of injury and workload management.
The pacer previously stayed away from the IPL between 2016 and 2023, sacrificing an estimated US$10 million or more in potential franchise earnings. Starc has spoken positively about that decision, saying he would not trade those nine years, during which he could rest, refresh mentally and spend time with his wife, Alyssa Healy.
He also retired from T20 internationals to help preserve his body for Australia’s red-ball commitments.
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Ashes 2027 schedule to disrupt Australia stars' IPL 2027 availability
Australia are scheduled to tour England for a five-Test Ashes series beginning at Trent Bridge from June 18 to 22. The remaining Tests are scheduled for Lord’s from June 30 to July 4, Edgbaston from July 8 to 12, Southampton from July 21 to 25, and The Oval from July 29 to August 2.
If Australia qualify for the World Test Championship final, scheduled for June 9 to 13 at The Oval, their leading players could face an even tighter turnaround before the Ashes. A warm-up match against England Lions is also listed ahead of the series, subject to Australia’s participation in the final.
The IPL generally takes place before the English summer, so the Ashes would not automatically rule Starc out of the league. However, the need to arrive in England fresh for a demanding five-Test series could encourage him and other Australian players to limit their franchise commitments.
Mitchell Starc's IPL salary and career stats
Starc has taken 76 wickets in 58 IPL matches, with best figures of 5/35, a bowling average of 22.72 and an economy rate of 8.78. He claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches for KKR in 2024 before taking 14 wickets in 11 games for Delhi Capitals in 2025.
In IPL 2026, Starc took 11 wickets in six matches for Delhi, with best figures of 4/40. His reported IPL earnings total ₹77.65 crore, including ₹11.75 crore for the 2026 season. His largest listed IPL salary was ₹24.75 crore with KKR in 2024.
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