After a retirement hint from ‘one format', Mitchell Starc eyes an IPL 2025 return
Mitchell Starc has dropped a hint about his cricketing future. While expressing his desire to return to the IPL in 2025, the pace spearhead of Australia also suggested a potential format retirement from international cricket.
Mitchell Starc, acquired by KKR for a record-breaking INR 24.75 crore at the IPL auction, proved his worth throughout the season. His stellar bowling performances, including Player of the Match displays in Qualifier 1 and the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, were instrumental in KKR’s championship victory.
This IPL stint marked Starc’s comeback to the league after a seven-year absence. Prioritizing national commitments, he last played in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015. However, his current career stage seems to have shifted his perspective.
The 34-year-old pacer hinted at potentially retiring from one of the international cricket formats, most likely ODIs, to dedicate more time to franchise leagues such as the IPL.
“For the past nine years, my focus has definitely been on Australian cricket,” Mitchell Starc stated after his IPL final heroics. “Missing seasons for breaks and spending time with family was a priority.”