With just a week to go before the IPL 2026 begins, several franchises are facing a major headache with the absence of key players, particularly from their overseas contingent. Injuries, workload management, and personal commitments have been the main reasons behind their absence. One of the most significant setbacks has come for SunRisers Hyderabad, who will be without their regular captain, Pat Cummins. His absence forced the franchise to appoint Ishan Kishan as their new skipper. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are facing a similar issue, with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the opening phase due to injury. Even Delhi Capitals have also been dealt a major blow, with Mitchell Starc set to miss the start of the IPL. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson is also set to miss the initial matches, reportedly opting to spend time with his family following the birth of his child. 

These developments have garnered huge attention, with former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioning the role of Cricket Australia in managing player participation. Chopra expressed concern over Starc’s absence, wondering why such restrictions are being placed during a tournament of the IPL's magnitude.

"If Mitchell Starc is also not going to come at the start, what is Cricket Australia doing? You didn't let Josh Hazlewood come, Pat Cummins isn't coming, and now you have held back Mitchell Starc, even though he is absolutely fit. He has already said goodbye to T20Is. So what has he done in the last two months or so?" Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"He hasn't played any cricket after the Ashes, but despite that, you have asked him to rest because a big Test season is coming up, in which there are five Test matches against India. That's just before the next IPL. Why are you doing that now?" he said.

Chopra also touched upon Lockie Ferguson, raising questions over his absence. 

"I am thinking about Lockie Ferguson, and that's a serious one. I don't know whether he has an injury or not, but based on what I have read, he isn't available for seven matches. He is saying he wants to spend some time with the family," he said.

"He was available at the base price. He was bought for ₹2 crore. He is playing for New Zealand. Then he will go home and spend time with his family. It's not a bad thing. Don't judge anyone, but if you are leaving seven matches in the IPL after giving a commitment just because of that, then teams will have to realize that this is not right," Chopra stated.