Mitchell Starc hints at retiring from one format in favour of franchise leagues

After resisting the riches of playing franchise cricket for nearly a decade, prioritising the national team, Mitchell Starc hinted that it’s probably time he went the opposite direction now.

The Australian seamer didn’t specify which format he would consider quitting but it makes more sense for him to ditch the ODIs considering the next World Cup is in 2027.

Starc, acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for record Rs 24.75 crore in the auction, justified his price tag in the playoff matches. The left-armer finished IPL 2024 with 17 wickets including five in the two knockout fixtures. It saw KKR clinch the title at the expense of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

“For the last nine years, I certainly prioritised Australian cricket. I have pulled out often to have a chance to give my body a break and spend some time away from cricket with my wife as well, so that’s certainly been where my head has been for last nine years,” Starc said after his match-winning 2/14 in the IPL final.

“Moving forward, I am certainly close to the end of my career than the start. One format may be dropped off as there is long time till next World Cup and whether that format drops off or not, that will open doors for a lot of franchise cricket,” the ‘King of Swing’ said.

He further said the IPL would help him in preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup which gets underway on 1 June.

“…that’s the other side of benefit of being here, some amazing players in an amazing tournament and great lead up to WT20 and success has been fantastic. It is great that a lot of players are in good position heading into the World Cup,” he said.

Starc remains hopeful of turning up for KKR even next year.

“I don’t know the schedule exactly but I have thoroughly enjoyed and hope to be back next year and hopefully, seen in purple and gold again.”

Focus shifts to T20 World Cup

Starc, like many others, agreed that the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA won’t witness tall scores like the IPL. He said he foresees more help for spinners from worn-out tracks.

“T20 is not as physically demanding as Test cricket and it’s been warm, humid, so that plays a part but that’s fine. It would be cooler there in the West Indies than here,” he said when asked how his body is holding up after two months of IPL.

“There’s the Impact Player Rule here and that’s not the case in the World Cup and after that you have to put a team that’s more balanced and you rely more on all-rounders. You can’t have your batting all-rounder coming in at No. 9, like they do in IPL.

“I don’t think the runs would be that much, I don’t think 270 can be scored… Wickets may play a part as we have seen high-scoring matches here and wickets won’t be same in West Indies.

“They might turn and will be a bit more tired, and towards end of tournament, they might pose more of a threat staying low and hope bowlers come into play more than they have come through in IPL,” he said.