Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc is set to end his nine-year absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and put his name in the auction ahead of the IPL 2024. Starc believes the IPL would provide a good lead-up to the T20 World Cup and sees it as a perfect opportunity to put his name forward. If picked in the auction, it would be Starc’s first appearance in the tournament since 2015. One of the main reasons Starc had previously opted out of the IPL was to prioritize Test cricket, but he still hopes to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches.
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm fast bowler from Australia, has announced his decision to end his nine-year break from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and participate in the tournament next year. Starc, who plans to compete in the IPL ahead of the T20 World Cup in the United States, believes that the busy cricket schedule makes it impossible for players to excel in all three formats.
In an interview with the Willow Talk cricket podcast, Starc revealed his intention to return to the IPL, stating that it would serve as a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup. He acknowledged that the upcoming year provides a perfect opportunity for him to put his name in the auction, given the relatively quiet winter schedule compared to the current season.
Starc last played in the IPL in 2015 and represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking 34 wickets in 27 matches. He missed the 2016 season due to injury and did not participate in the 2017 auction. In 2018, he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders but withdrew due to another injury. Starc’s commitment to Test cricket has been the main reason for his absence from the IPL in previous years, as he aimed to prioritize his availability for national duty.
With his sights set on reaching the milestone of playing 100 Test matches, Starc has been strategic in his decision-making to prolong his career for Australia. He has expressed his desire to contribute to the 2025-26 Ashes series at home, where he could potentially achieve this feat. While acknowledging the financial benefits of the IPL, Starc is motivated by his ambition to play a hundred Tests and hopes to accomplish this goal if his body permits.
In conclusion, Mitchell Starc’s return to the IPL next year marks the end of his long hiatus from the tournament. With his focus on gearing up for the T20 World Cup and the prospect of playing a crucial role in the national team’s future, Starc aims to strike a balance between participating in high-profile leagues and prioritizing his Test career.