Courtesy: X
Australian batter Steve Smith is looking forward to making a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after not getting a chance to play in the tournament in the last three seasons. The 35-year-old, who had a splendid season with the bat in the Major League Cricket (MLC), talked about putting his name in the mix in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction.
Notably, Steve Smith was the key player at the top of the order for the Washington Freedom, who went onto defeat the San Francisco Unicorns in a one-sided final, to win the MLC title. He was the joint second-highest run-scorer in the tournament alongside his opening partner Travis Head, putting together 336 runs at an average of 56 and a strike-rate of 148.67.
While speaking in an exclusive interview to Fox Cricket, Steve Smith looked forward to playing in the IPL in the upcoming season after making his last appearance in the tournament in 2021 for Delhi Capitals, going unsold in two subsequent auctions. He said, “I'd certainly love another opportunity at the IPL. I'll be throwing my name in the ring, and we'll see how we go.”
I've played quite nicely: Steve Smith on his recent T20 performances
“I feel like in every opportunity I've had in T20 cricket recently and franchise stuff, I've played quite nicely. So hopefully I just keep putting my name up there and enjoying it,” he added.
Steve Smith also shared his excitement on being a part of the Sydney Sixers, looking forward to turning up for them in the Australian summer despite a busy Test schedule with the national team. The New South Welshman remarked, “I haven't even looked at the schedule, to be honest. But I've enjoyed playing for the Sixers whenever I've had the opportunity. It's a really great franchise with great people, and they've had a lot of success. We'll see how we go. I'd love to play a few games.”
