Mitchell Starc set for a return to IPL next year

Mitchell Starc’s own decision to remain absent from the IPL is about to come to an end as the fast bowler is aiming to make his return to the tournament in 2024.

The last time Starc participated in the IPL was back in 2015. Despite being widely recognized as one of the finest white-ball bowlers of his generation, with recent achievements including topping the wicket charts in the last two ODI World Cup editions, he has deliberately stayed away from the IPL for several years.

The left-arm pacer had previously appeared in only the 2014 and 2015 editions of the IPL. However, he has now decided to enter the IPL auction with the intention of playing in the upcoming season. His previous absences from the IPL were primarily motivated by a desire to spend time with his family and maintain his freshness amid a demanding international cricket schedule.

In 2018, Starc did participate in the IPL auction and was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he later withdrew due to an injury. He also opted out of the 2019 season, given the impending ODI World Cup scheduled for the end of May.

This year, with the World Test Championship Final and the Ashes series on the horizon, Starc once again chose to skip the IPL.

However, the 33-year-old fast bowler is now targeting the IPL as part of his preparations for the T20 World Cup, slated to be held in the Caribbean and the USA next June.

Additionally, Starc has expressed his ambition to represent Australia in 100 Test matches and has hinted at uncertainties regarding his future in the ODI format following the World Cup.

“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.”