Mitchell Starc, the seasoned Australian fast bowler, is contemplating a return to the IPL in 2024, citing it as the “perfect opportunity” to gear up for the T20 World Cup. After a decade, he has publicly revealed his plans to feature in the Indian Premier League once again.
Should a franchise sign him, Starc would make his IPL comeback, having last played in the tournament in 2015, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in 27 matches across two seasons. In that same year, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup victory before embarking on tours to the West Indies and England for the Ashes series.
Starc, with the goal of reaching 100 Test matches, aims to continue his Test cricket career for at least two more years. However, a relatively “quiet” winter schedule in 2024 will present him with the opportunity to participate in the IPL for the third time.
In 2018, he was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders but was forced to withdraw due to injury. On subsequent occasions, he considered an IPL return but prioritized spending time at home amid Australia’s demanding multi-format cricket schedule.
Australia’s calendar for the following year features limited commitments, with only the T20 World Cup scheduled between a New Zealand tour in March and a white-ball series against Afghanistan, Ireland, and England commencing in late August.
During his brief IPL career, Mitchell Starc delivered impressive statistics, claiming 41 wickets with an average of 20.46 and an economy rate of 7.81.
Mitchell Starc Arranging an IPL Return in IPL 2024
Speaking on The Willow Talk Podcast, Starc expressed his intentions, saying, “Look, it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back in [next] year.” He added, “Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup.”
“So, it’s 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,” he emphasized.
Mitchell Starc’s primary goal is to play 100 Tests for his country, stating, “Not just get to 100, I’d like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests. And then the big one obviously in a couple of weeks is the World Cup, which in India just goes to another level.”
When asked about future editions of the World Cup, Starc focused on the present, remarking, “And then you look at the one-day format, it’s sort of four years in between World Cups, so where do I see myself in that mix? But I’ve got to get to the end of this World Cup first. But we’ve got some superstars coming through.”
“I try not to look too far ahead with anything. Obviously, we want to do well in the World Cup. Then we’ve got five Test matches here in Australia, and then I haven’t actually played a Test in New Zealand, so hopefully I’m on that tour and look forward to that challenge as well,” Starc concluded.