'Has Helped my Game': Here's Why Mitchell Starc Kept Himself Away from IPL Since 2015

Australia’s lead pacer, Mitchell Starc was in the headlines in the recently concluded IPL 2024 auctions where the fast bowler became the most expensive player in IPL history after the Kolkata Knight Riders bid INR 24.75 Crores for his services.

The 2024 season of the IPL would mark his return to the tournament with his first stint being with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. However, despite adding his name in the subsequent auctions, he was forced to pull out of the tournament either due to injury or prioritising international cricket.

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Starc even admitted that he had turned down lucrative offers from the IPL to prioritise national duties. He even admitted that it has ‘helped’ him in improving his game.

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The fast bowler explained that the break he got by skipping the IPL gave him time to recharge himself enabling him to remain fit for the international games ahead.

“I don’t regret any of it. I think it’s certainly helped my Test cricket. The money is always nice and certainly was this year, but I’ve always prioritised international cricket, and I think that’s helped my game.”

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Mitchell Starc has been a crucial element in Australia’s success in all three formats of the game. He has been part of the ODI World Cup winning side in both 2015 and the 2023 editions. He was also part of the T20 World Cup winning side in 2021 and the WTC winning campaign which concluded in 2023 as well.

He will be looking to continue his run of form as he will look to utilise the IPL to prepare himself for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024 which will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America.

He is currently part of the Australian side which is taking on Pakistan in a three-match Test series. He will be eyeing up more wickets to close out the series and secure more points for his side in the WTC standings.

(with agency inputs)