Picture Credit: X/IPL
Star Australian pacer and a veteran of the game of cricket, Mitchell Starc has opened up on calling curtains to his elaborated career. The 34-year-old who played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) win against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 Final on Sunday, May 26, spoke of retiring from one format to focus on franchise cricket.
However, the Aussie did not specify the format he intends to leave but added that focusing on franchise cricket will give him time to be around his family. It is to be noted that Starc was bought by the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise for record INR 24.75 crore and played a pivotal role in KKR’s title triumph, especially when the franchise need ed it the most.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, on being asked how he will take up things from here with the T20 World Cup 2024 ahead, Starc said, “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.”
“Moving forward, I am certainly close to the end of my career that the start. One format may be dropped off as there is 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.
However, he did not mention the format he would be looking to quit, but as predicted, it could be the ODI seeing the World Cup scheduled to be played in 2027.
“.. that’s the other side of benefit of being here” - Mitchell Starc on T20 World Cup 2024
Mitchell Starc, who scalped 22 wickets from 16 matches during IPL 2024, including the playoffs, spoke how the tournament will be a crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the USA and Caribbean in June. Speaking at the post-match presser, Starc said, “…that’s 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 good position heading into the World Cup.”
