IPL 2026 kicks off on 28 March, but several franchises face a familiar problem. Many of their most expensive overseas signings are nowhere near the training grounds. These international stars are delaying their arrival or skipping parts of the tournament. Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar sharply criticised the situation. He believes franchises must stop accepting this behaviour and put team unity first.

5 IPL 2026 Stars Who Aren't Even At Their Team Camps Yet

Below are five high-profile players whose absence is already forcing teams to rip up their early plans.

1. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Cummins will miss SRH’s first few games due to a back injury. He will join the camp before the tournament starts, but he must undergo rehabilitation in India before playing competitive cricket. Ishan Kishan will serve as interim skipper until Cummins is fit to take the reins. SRH retained Cummins for Rs 18 crore. His absence leaves a massive hole in the team’s leadership and bowling attack from day one.

2. Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)

Starc will miss the start of IPL 2026. Cricket Australia is monitoring his workload ahead of a busy international schedule. DC head coach Hemang Badani confirmed Starc started bowling in recent sessions. However, the franchise cannot plan for his arrival until Cricket Australia provides a no-objection certificate. Starc took 31 wickets in the Ashes to win the Player-of-the-Series award. While Delhi fans feel frustrated, Cricket Australia’s caution makes sense.

3. Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury before the 2025-26 Ashes. Combined hamstring and Achilles issues also ruled him out of the 2026 T20 World Cup. He will likely join RCB before their 12 April clash against the Mumbai Indians. This means the defending champions start their title defence without a key pacer. Hazlewood was vital to their trophy win in 2025, making his absence a major blow.

4. Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings)

Ferguson recently became a father. He is prioritising family time before joining Punjab Kings for the second half of the season. He will miss the first seven league games. This creates a serious problem for the PBKS seam-bowling department. In a tight league, every point carries weight, and Ferguson's late start puts the team under early pressure.

5. Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants)

Hasaranga injured his hamstring during the T20 World Cup opener against Ireland last month. His status is the most uncertain on this list. LSG officials are tracking his fitness closely. If he misses the opening rounds, the team must rely on domestic spinners while waiting for the Sri Lankan star. Some reports even suggest he could miss the entire IPL 2026 season.

These absences prove that franchises must build deep squads. Relying on a single overseas combination is no longer enough. The line between making the playoffs and finishing last is often just one win. These delayed starts could easily be the difference between lifting the trophy and a disappointing season.