Mitchell Starc hints at retiring from one format of the game to play more T20 leagues

Mitchell Starc has hinted that he could either retire or take a lengthy break from ODI cricket since there is a “long time” to go for the 2027 World Cup.

After propelling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has hinted that he could soon move away from ODI cricket and put in more work in the T20 franchise leagues around the world.

Starc returned to the IPL this year after a nine-year hiatus, and in this period he barely played T20 cricket outside internationals. He was picked by KKR for a record sum of INR 24.75 crores at the IPL 2024 auction.

While the left-arm seamer performed ordinarily in the league stage, managing 12 wickets at an average of 33, Starc brought his best in Qualifier 1 and the final with two match-winning performances. Hailed as a ‘big game’ player, Starc was utterly devastating against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in these two encounters, recording figures of 3/34 and 2/14 to help KKR clinch the IPL 2024 trophy.

The lanky Australian seamer was named the Man of the Match in both these matches and managed to vindicate KKR’s decision to splurge such a huge amount on him in the auction.

I am certainly close to the end of my career: Mitchell Starc

Speaking after the IPL 2024 final in Chennai, Starc was asked about his future in franchise cricket. The 34-year-old admitted he is close to the end of his career and hence, he would drop one format from international cricket. Starc pointed out that since there is a long time for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, he could retire from the 50-over format.

“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 told PTI.

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

The left-arm Australian pacer will next be seen in action in the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.