May 27th 2024.
Chennai: Mitchell Starc, the Australian pacer who has always prioritized his national team over lucrative private leagues, has hinted at the possibility of giving up one format in order to make room for more franchise cricket in his schedule. At 34 years old, he knows that his career is closer to the end than the beginning and wants to make the most of his remaining time in the game.
Although Starc did not specifically mention which format he plans to drop, many speculate it could be ODIs since the next 50-over World Cup is not until 2027. This decision comes after his record-breaking sale for 24.75 crore to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. Starc was instrumental in their victory, taking 17 wickets, including five in the knock-out games.
When asked about his future plans after his best year in franchise cricket, Starc hinted that T20s may take priority in his schedule. "For the last nine years, my focus has been on Australian cricket. I have often pulled out of tournaments to give my body a rest and spend time with my wife. But now, with the end of my career in sight, I may drop one format and open up more opportunities for franchise cricket," he said after his match-winning performance in the IPL final.
Starc also sees his participation in this year's IPL as a chance to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, which begins on June 1st. "Being here with some amazing players in an amazing tournament is a great lead-up to the World Cup. It's fantastic to see so many players in good form heading into the tournament," he said.
As for his return to the Kolkata Knight Riders next year, Starc is hopeful. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and hope to be back next year, wearing the purple and gold once again," he said.
On the topic of pitches in the upcoming T20 World Cup, Starc believes they will not be as batsman-friendly as those in the IPL due to the Impact Player rule. He predicts more assistance for spinners on worn-out tracks. "T20 is not as physically demanding as Test cricket, but the conditions in the West Indies will still play a role. However, the pitches there will be much different from here in the IPL," he explained.
Starc also addressed the criticism he faced during the first phase of the IPL when he was struggling to find his rhythm. His multi-crore price tag was often mentioned as a factor, but he did not let it affect him. "I am not here for the money. I am here as an overseas international player. Whether it's for one game or the final, I am just glad to contribute to the team's success. The jokes and friendly banter about the price tags don't bother me. I have had plenty of critics throughout my career," he said.
In the end, Starc's statement perfectly summed up his mindset: "In the end, it's just cricket."
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