Mitchell Starc may skip IPL 2027 to prioritise Australia’s Test commitments

Mitchell Starc may skip IPL 2027 to prioritise Australia’s Test commitments

Mitchell Starc Yet to Decide on IPL 2027 as Ashes Schedule Shapes His Plans

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has not yet decided whether he will take part in the 2027 Indian Premier League, with the demands of Australia’s international calendar likely to influence his choice. A five-Test Ashes series in England is scheduled for that summer, and the possibility of a World Test Championship final could make the build-up even tighter.

Starc is expected to remain associated with the Delhi Capitals, but his availability will depend on how he weighs the opportunities of franchise cricket against the preparation and recovery required for Australia’s Test commitments. For a fast bowler with a long record of prioritising red-ball cricket, the decision is about more than fitting the IPL into his calendar: it is also about arriving in England ready for one of the sport’s most demanding series.

Test cricket remains central to Starc’s priorities

Starc has consistently shown a preference for Test cricket, even when pursuing that focus has meant passing up lucrative T20 opportunities. He spent several years away from the IPL between 2016 and 2023, a period during which he reportedly sacrificed more than US$10 million in potential franchise earnings.

He has spoken positively about that time away, describing the value of rest, mental refreshment and time with his wife, former Australia wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy. Starc has also retired from T20 internationals, a decision that helps him manage his workload and preserve his body for Australia’s longer-format campaigns.

Since the 2023 Lord’s Test, Starc has played 30 consecutive Tests. That run highlights both his durability and his importance to Australia’s pace attack, particularly during periods when fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have managed injuries or workload concerns. Maintaining that availability will likely remain a key consideration in any prediction about Starc’s IPL 2027 participation.

Ashes and WTC final could create a demanding turnaround

Australia’s 2027 Ashes tour is scheduled to begin at Trent Bridge, where the first Test is set for June 18 to 22. The series is then due to continue at 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.

The schedule could become more challenging if Australia qualify for the World Test Championship final, which is listed for June 9 to 13 at The Oval. A place in the final would give Australia’s leading players little time to reset before the Ashes opener. A warm-up match against England Lions is also planned, subject to Australia’s participation in the WTC final.

The IPL is generally staged before the English summer, so the Ashes dates do not automatically rule Starc out of the tournament. But a full IPL campaign could add travel, match pressure and physical demands before a five-Test series. Australia’s selectors and support staff may also want key bowlers to arrive in England with enough time to acclimatise and prepare.

Why Starc’s decision may come down to workload

Fast bowling places particular strain on the body, and a Test series can require repeated high-intensity spells over several weeks. The timing and length of the IPL season, Starc’s condition at the end of the Australian summer, and Australia’s plans for the Ashes could all shape his final call.

There is also a personal choice involved. Starc has previously demonstrated that he is willing to step away from franchise cricket when he believes rest and preparation are more valuable. That history suggests that his IPL 2027 decision may not be driven by contract status or salary alone.

Starc’s IPL record and earnings

Starc has taken 76 wickets in 58 IPL matches, with best figures of 5 for 35. His overall bowling average is 22.72, while his economy rate stands at 8.78. The figures reflect his ability to make an impact with the new ball and return to take wickets during the closing stages of an innings.

He returned to the competition with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, taking 17 wickets in 14 matches. Starc then joined Delhi Capitals, claiming 14 wickets in 11 games in 2025. In the 2026 season, he took 11 wickets in six appearances for Delhi, including best figures of 4 for 40.

His reported IPL earnings total ₹77.65 crore, including ₹11.75 crore for the 2026 season. His largest listed IPL salary came in 2024, when KKR signed him for ₹24.75 crore. Those numbers underline the scale of the opportunity, but Starc’s previous choices show that financial rewards are only one part of his decision-making.

What to expect from Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals will be keen to know whether their experienced left-arm quick will be available for the 2027 campaign, particularly as the team plans under newly appointed head coach Sourav Ganguly. Starc’s pace, ability to swing the ball and experience in high-pressure matches make him a valuable option, but the franchise may need to plan for different scenarios while his decision remains open.

At this stage, there is no confirmed indication that Starc will miss IPL 2027. The most reasonable prediction is that he will assess his fitness and Australia’s schedule closer to the tournament before making a final commitment. If the WTC final and Ashes build-up place a heavy burden on the national squad, he may consider limiting his IPL involvement. If his workload is manageable, a return for Delhi remains possible.

For now, Starc’s participation is unresolved. His long-standing commitment to Test cricket, his record of managing his workload and the compressed 2027 English summer will all be central to the decision—and could make his eventual call one of the most closely watched availability questions ahead of the IPL season.

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