Credit: Twitter
After eight long years, Australia star pacer Mitchell Starc is looking to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the 33-year-old Aussie considers the IPL as a "great lead-up" ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 hosted by the West Indies and the United States from June 4 to 30, 2024.
Starc last played in the IPL in 2015, as he made 27 appearances in two seasons for Royal Challengers Bangalore. On several occasions, the Aussie considered returning to the IPL but went on to prioritise his time with family and the Australian cricket team. In 2018, two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought the services of Starc in the auction, however, he withdrew due to injury.
While talking at the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Starc confirmed his plan to return to the IPL next year as he said, "Look it's been eight years. I'm definitely going back in (next) year. 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. 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."
Apart from his IPL participation, Starc, who has 82 appearances for Australia in Tests, stated his desire to play 100 Tests for his country. He said, "Not just get to 100, I'd like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests. And then the big one obviously in a couple of weeks is the World Cup, which in India just goes to another level."
