Mitchell Starc hints at quitting one format

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc hinted that he may quit one format of international cricket to focus more on franchise cricket as the Aussie has stayed away from private leagues for almost a decade due to his utmost dedication to the Baggy Greens.

Starc guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL trophy after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final on Sunday where he bagged two wickets for just 14 runs in three overs.

Starc also became the most expensive player in IPL history as he was bought for INR. 24.75 crore during the auction and he ended up bagging 17 wickets in the tournament despite a poor start. 

Talking after KKR’s win in the final, Starc dropped a massive hint that he may give up on ODI cricket for a while as the next World Cup is in 2027. For the time he would like to focus on league cricket.

"For the last nine years, I certainly prioritised Australian cricket. I have pulled out often to have a chance to give my body a break and spend some time away from cricket with my wife as well, so that's certainly been where my head has been for last nine years," Starc said after the match.

"Moving forward, I am certainly close to the end of my career than the start. One format may be dropped off as there is a long time till next World Cup and whether that format drops off or not, that will open doors for a lot of franchise cricket," he added.

He also mentioned that playing in the IPL helped him in preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which starts in the United States on June 1.

"That is the other side of benefit of being here, some amazing players in an amazing tournament and great lead up to WT20 and success has been fantastic. It is great that a lot of players are in a good position heading into the World Cup," he said.

"I don't know the schedule exactly but I have thoroughly enjoyed and hope to be back next year and hopefully, seen in purple and gold again."

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