Australian top seamer Mitchell Starc has admitted that he has in the past turned down several lucrative offers from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prioritize his international career, which has “helped” him improve his game.
Starc was signed by two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs 24.75 crore during the auction last week, and this will be his first stint in the tournament since 2015. The 33-year-old became the most expensive buy in IPL auction history, breaking Fellow Australian Pat Cummins Rs 20.50 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, Starc said the break during the Indian Premier League allowed him to recharge himself and stay fit for international duty.
“Juggling one cricket schedule is hard enough, let alone when there are two in a relationship. So, I would always take that time away from cricket with Alyssa or time with family and recharge my body to be as fit and ready as possible.” For Cricket The Australian,” AAP quoted him as saying.
Mitchell Starc is set to return to the cash-rich T20 league after an 8-year break. The Australian last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2015, where he bagged 20 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, at an economy rate of 6.76 in 13 matches.
‘I don’t regret any of it’ – Mitchell Starc on prioritizing international cricket over IPL
Mitchell Starc does not regret choosing international cricket over lucrative contracts in the Indian Premier League. He stated that turning down the chances of playing IPL helped him prolong his career in Test cricket.
“I don’t regret any of it. I think it definitely helped me in Test cricket. Money is always good and certainly was this year, but I always prioritize international cricket, and I think that has helped my game.” The Australian said.
Starc played 27 matches and took 34 wickets in the IPL.
Published on: Sunday, 24 December 2023 04:25 PM IST