Former Australian captain Mark Taylor believes there is an immediate threat to Test cricket after Mitchell Starc signed for $1 million with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, the former Australian cricketer wants youngsters to follow in the footsteps of Starc, who took the country to the top with his IPL or T20 career.
The reaction comes a day after Knight Riders signed Starc for Rs 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
Starc last played in the IPL during the 2015 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore but then left the T20 league to prioritize his fitness and commitments to the national team. The 33-year-old was bought by KKR in 2018 but failed to play a single match. He even pulled out during 2022 due to bubble fatigue.
Mark Taylor told 9News:
“I think Australia have got it right but that pressure will be greater in the coming years – there are already talks of a second IPL, there are leagues in Dubai, there are US leagues popping up everywhere. There is a constant threat to Test cricket, getting that balance.” Correctly maintaining and prioritizing Test cricket will become more difficult.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added:
“I hope the players follow the mold of Mitchell Starc. Work on getting the green, work on becoming a great Test cricketer, knowing full well that the Indian Premier League will always be there.”
‘It was a shock’ – Mitchell Starc’s reaction as he became the most expensive player in the IPL
Mitchell Starc said he is thrilled to become the most expensive player in IPL history after a fierce bidding war between four teams in the IPL 2024 auction. The Australian speedster added that he will try to justify his price next season. He told Geo Cinema:
“It was a shock of course. Nothing I could have dreamed of. But there will no doubt be some pressure that comes with the territory. But having the extra experience that I gained from my last IPL match, I hope it will help me.”
Stark added:
“I’ve had some ups and downs before, but that comes with the territory and I’m trying to be successful and have as much impact as I can.”
Mitchell Starc has bagged 170 wickets in 121 T20s at an economy rate of 7.45. Other than Starc, Australia captain Pat Cummins was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 20.5 crore, making him the second most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League.