Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to Miss Early IPL 2026 Matches Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are expected to miss the opening matches of the IPL 2026 tournament as Cricket Australia (CA) continues to monitor the workload of its top fast bowlers ahead of a demanding cricket calendar. The decision means Starc, who plays for Delhi Capitals, and Hazlewood, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will join a growing list of Australian cricketers unavailable for part or all of the IPL season. This follows the earlier exclusion of Pat Cummins from Sunrisers Hyderabad’s initial fixtures, as well as the full absence of Nathan Ellis (Chennai Super Kings) and Jack Edwards (Sunrisers Hyderabad) on Friday. Cummins, who played only one Test during the Australian summer due to a stress injury in his back, has been sidelined since July 2025. His sole representative appearance came in the third Ashes Test in December, marking his first game since the West Indies series in July 2025. Hazlewood, meanwhile, missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. While he participated in some white-ball matches against South Africa, India, and New Zealand in 2025, as well as a Sheffield Shield game in November, he has remained largely absent from competitive cricket over the past several months. Starc, Australia’s leading bowler in the Ashes series, played all five Tests and was awarded Player-of-the-Series for his 31 wickets, which helped secure Australia’s 4-1 victory. He also featured in the Big Bash League (BBL) toward the end of the season. However, Starc’s absence from the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026 is notable, as he had retired from T20 internationals.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #josh_hazlewood #cricket_australia
Josh Hazlewood's IPL 2026 Participation Uncertain as He Awaits Medical Clearance Josh Hazlewood remains under physiotherapy care, and his involvement in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is contingent upon receiving medical clearance. The Australian fast bowler’s participation in the tournament is now hanging by a thread, with his fitness status remaining unclear as of March 13, 2026. The update comes as the IPL 2026 season approaches, with teams finalizing their squads. Hazlewood, who has been a key player for RCB in previous seasons, is currently undergoing treatment for an injury that has limited his availability for team activities. While no specific details about the nature of the injury have been disclosed, sources indicate that the medical team is closely monitoring his progress. RCB’s management has not yet confirmed whether Hazlewood will be part of the squad for the upcoming tournament. A spokesperson for the franchise stated that the decision will be made once the medical team provides a definitive assessment. “We are in constant communication with Josh’s medical team and will make an announcement once we have clarity on his fitness,” the statement read. Hazlewood’s potential absence could impact RCB’s bowling attack, which has already faced challenges in retaining key players. The team’s management is reportedly exploring options to bolster their squad, including potential transfers or signings, should Hazlewood’s participation remain uncertain. The IPL 2026 is set to begin in April 2026, with the tournament featuring 10 teams across multiple cities in India. As teams finalize their rosters, the health of key players like Hazlewood will play a critical role in shaping their competitive outlook.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bangalore #josh_hazlewood #medical_clearance #fitness_status
RCB Face Major Concern Over Rs 12.5 Crore Overseas Star Ahead Of IPL 2026 Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 12.5 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, is facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the 2026 season. The veteran pacer has been sidelined due to injury concerns and remains under physiotherapy, with his involvement in the upcoming tournament dependent on medical clearance. According to a report, Hazlewood was ruled out of the Ashes 2025-26 and missed the T20 World Cup 2026 due to ongoing fitness issues. A source close to the developments told Hindustan Times that his participation in IPL 2026 is still pending, with the team awaiting final approval before he joins the squad. Hazlewood played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic IPL 2025 victory, helping the team secure their first title in franchise history. However, his absence looms large as the squad prepares for the 2026 season. The team’s management is now monitoring his recovery closely, with the possibility of his inclusion in the tournament remaining a wait-and-see situation. RCB will enter IPL 2026 as defending champions, aiming to claim back-to-back titles. However, former India captain Anil Kumble has expressed skepticism about their chances, noting that only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have previously achieved consecutive IPL wins. Kumble, speaking on JioHotstar, highlighted the challenges facing captain Rajat Patidar, who took over the leadership role after a successful first season. “It’s not going to be easy for RCB to win back-to-back titles,” Kumble said. “Only CSK and MI have managed to do that before. But Patidar has done well as captain, and his calm demeanor under pressure will be crucial.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #josh_hazlewood #anil_kumble #venkatesh_iyer
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces uncertainty ahead of IPL 2026 opener as Josh Hazlewood's fitness remains in question Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is preparing for the IPL 2026 season, but the team is grappling with a significant challenge as Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s availability remains uncertain. The 34-year-old pacer, a key figure in RCB’s recent success, is dealing with a fitness concern that could impact his participation in the tournament. The team is awaiting clarity on his readiness ahead of the opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Hazlewood played a pivotal role in RCB’s 2025 IPL title win, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker and delivering a standout performance in the final against Punjab Kings. His ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch was instrumental in key moments during the championship run. However, his absence from the Ashes and the ICC T20 World Cup due to injury has raised concerns about his recovery timeline. Reports suggest Hazlewood has been under close medical supervision, with physiotherapists monitoring his progress. While there is optimism about his potential return, a definitive timeline for his comeback remains unclear. For RCB, which relied heavily on his contributions during powerplay overs, his possible exclusion could weaken the bowling attack. The team’s management is now focused on addressing this gap, with the possibility of relying on younger bowlers or adjusting strategies to compensate for his absence. As the 2026 season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood’s fitness adds pressure to the squad’s preparations. The outcome of this situation will be critical in determining RCB’s prospects for retaining their title.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #josh_hazlewood #ashes
Star Pacer Awaits Clearance For IPL 2026 Amidst Injury Concerns Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 opener against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 remains uncertain due to ongoing injury recovery. The Australian pacer, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title win, has not competed since November’s Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria. Following that game, he was ruled out of the 2025-26 Ashes series and later suffered a calf injury just five days before Australia’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland. Veteran batter Steve Smith replaced him in the squad, as Australia’s depleted team crashed out of the tournament in the group stage. Hazlewood has been dealing with recurring hamstring, Achilles, and calf injuries over the past several months, and his return to action is contingent on medical clearance. A source told The Hindustan Times that he is still under physiotherapy and that his IPL 2026 involvement will depend on whether he receives the green light. While there is still time before the tournament begins, the situation remains a “wait-and-watch” scenario. RCB’s reliance on Hazlewood extends beyond his bowling prowess, as the franchise has limited overseas pace options in Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy. The team’s plans for the 2026 season are heavily dependent on his fitness, given his critical role in their previous success. Pat Cummins, another key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also awaiting medical clearance for the IPL 2026 opener. The source noted that Cummins, too, is being monitored by the team’s physio staff. Both players’ availability could significantly impact their respective franchises’ prospects in the tournament.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #josh_hazlewood
IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood Still Awaiting Medical Clearance for Participation Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remains in physiotherapy for his hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries, with his participation in the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) still uncertain. The 35-year-old was initially hopeful of joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the tournament, but sources have confirmed he is yet to receive medical clearance. Hindustan Times reported that Hazlewood’s recovery timeline is under review, and his inclusion in IPL 2026 depends on the assessment of the medical team. Hazlewood’s previous IPL campaign was marked by standout performances. In the 2025 season, he claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches, playing a pivotal role in RCB’s historic first title win. His contributions helped the franchise end Virat Kohli’s 18-year wait for a domestic title. However, his season was cut short by a right hamstring injury sustained while playing for New South Wales in November. The injury not only ruled him out of the first Ashes Test but also led to his exclusion from the entire Ashes series and the T20 World Cup due to a subsequent Achilles injury. A source close to the situation told Hindustan Times that Hazlewood is still undergoing treatment and that his IPL participation remains a “wait-and-watch” scenario. The source noted that while there is still time for him to recover, the medical team’s approval is critical. Hazlewood’s IPL career has been impressive, with 57 wickets in 39 matches at an economy rate of 8.27 and a strike rate of 20.98. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins is also under physiotherapy for a back injury. Cummins, who played only one Ashes Test in Adelaide, was ruled out of the T20 World Cup just 10 days before its start.#indian_premier_league #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #josh_hazlewood
