Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc who last played IPL in 2015 is planning a return to the cash-rich league in 2024, Starc hasn’t been a part of the IPL since the ninth season of the league due to various reasons during the time span. He was last picked by KKR in the IPL 2018 mega auction but withdrew his name due to an injury. But on the majority of the occasions, the reason for his absence has been a packed international schedule as the fast bowler is the leader of Australia’s bowling lineup.
Starc’s decision to make a comeback in the IPL is also backed by the fact that Australia has a comparatively light international schedule with only a T20 World Cup between a test series versus New Zealand in March and a white ball series against Afghanistan Ireland and England in August
“Look it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back in [next] year,” Starc told the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast about his IPL ambitions. “Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup. “So a good opportunity to see if anyone’s interested in the IPL, then lead into the T20 World Cup.
Milestone Awaits
Starc is also on the verge of reaching the milestone of 100 test matches if he plays in every test that Australia plays from now. The fast bowler will complete the landmark of 100 test matches in the 2025-26 Ashes Series
“And it’s somewhat of a quiet winter next year…in comparison to this winter, so I think a perfect opportunity to put my name in.” “Not just get to 100, I’d like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests,” he said. “And then the big one obviously in a couple of weeks is the World Cup, which in India just goes to another level. “And then you look at the one-day format, it’s sort of four years in between World Cups, so where do I see myself in that mix? But I’ve got to get to the end of this World Cup first. “But we’ve got some superstars coming through. You’ve got your Jhye Richardsons, your Sean Abbotts, and your Spencer Johnsons. You’ve got plenty of young guys coming through. [Lance] Morris is going to be a gun.
Living in the Present
“I try not to look too far ahead with anything. Obviously, we want to do well in the World Cup. Then we’ve got five Test matches here in Australia and then I haven’t actually played a Test in New Zealand, so hopefully I’m on that tour and look forward to that challenge as well.”
