India, March 24 -- Cricket Australia (CA) is yet to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Mitchell Starc for his IPL stint with Delhi Capitals, the franchise said on Monday, but remains hopeful the lead pacer will join the squad before their tournament opener on April 1.

In a media interaction, Delhi Capitals Axar Patel, cricket director Venugopal Rao and head coach Hemang Badani fielded multiple questions on the availability of their pace spearhead. Starc had taken 14 wickets in 11 games last season.

"We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us," said Badani.

"We are in constant touch with CA. He has been bowling; he had bowled a few days back.

Unless Cricket Australia...