Mitchell Starc has opted out of the mega auction in an unexpected move after hinting at a probable return to the IPL. The Australian sprinter has also stated why he is doing so, stating that he wants to recharge his body before the team’s next foreign assignment. Starc has previously prioritised international responsibilities over the IPL and has done so again.
Mitchell Starc spoke to ESPN Cricinfo about why he decided to forgo yet another IPL auction. He claimed he was just a click away from bidding in the auction, but then changed his mind after reflecting on his international career with Australia.
“I was one click away from entering the auctions, but I didn’t want to spend another 22 weeks in a bubble, and I needed some time to rejuvenate the body, and for me, that means prioritising Australian games,” Star told EspnCricinfo.
Starc stated that he would love to return to the competition, but for the time being, he would rather spend time with his family and avoid the difficult bio bubble life.
Mitchell Starc says he’d like to return to the IPL.
“There will come a point when I’d like to return to the IPL, but in terms of wanting to play as much as I can for Australia as a multi-format player, that’s a decision I’ve made, and it allows me to spend time with Alyssa and family in those eight weeks outside of the cricket bubble,” he added.
The left-arm bowler appeared in all five Ashes Tests, taking 19 wickets. He’ll play three ODIs and one T20I against New Zealand at home next, followed by a five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in February. He may be selected to travel to Pakistan as part of the Australian team.
Starc played for RCB in the IPL in 2014 and 2015. During those two seasons, he took 37 wickets in 27 matches with an economy rate of 7.16 and a strike rate of 17.