Playing tests for Australia more important than IPL money: Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc has set his priorities to play Test cricket for Australia rather than various T20 leagues including IPL.

Mitchell Starc is probably one of the best left-arm pacers that the world has seen in last decade or so. On Sunday, Australia won yet another ICC title when they thrashed Rohit Sharma and his men by a massive 209-run victory in the final of the World Test Championship 2023 at the Oval. With this, Australia became the first team to win all major ICC tournaments across all three formats.

Australia are the most successful team in this game in both men's and women's cricket. They have won a total of nine ICC titles in men's cricket history, which is the most by any team. But there should be a difference between Australia and other teams that makes them so successful.

"I enjoyed it (IPL) but Australia will always sit at the top"- Mitchell Starc on his priority in his career

In an discussion with "The Guardian," Mitchell Starc revealed why he avoids playing franchise cricket. Notably, Starc played in the Indian Premier League way back in 2015 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. But despite the money involved and big contracts, he has avoided playing in the league. He said that over 100-year history of Australian test cricket, there have been only 500 test cricketers which makes it more valuable to represent the country.

A number of Australian cricketers take part in various T20 leagues, including IPL, BBL, and others. But Mitchell Starc has decided to give time to the Australian team more. He added, "I enjoyed it (IPL), likewise I enjoyed my time at Yorkshire 10 years ago, but Australia will always sit at the top. I don't regret any of it, money will come and go but I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've had. The traditionalist in me still hopes there is a generation of boys and girls who want to represent their country in Test cricket. But the easy money is in franchise cricket, it's the fast track to notoriety."

Further, he also said that he would love to play back in the IPL but the biggest goal will always be playing for the country. The pacer added that the biggest feeling for him is to sit out and discuss with his teammates after a test win and he is lucky to play this format for past 10 years now. He concluded by prasing England under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum for their aggressive approach but doubted that will they be able to continue the "Bazball" against Australia in the upcoming Ashes series. Mitchell Starc said, "If the overhead conditions play a part, will they still be so aggressive with the Ashes on the line? I guess we'll find it out."