As he is expected to play in the 2024 edition, Australia’s speed spearhead Mitchell Starc said he doesn’t regret not appearing in the IPL for eight straight seasons. The left-handed runner reasoned that his career has benefited from not participating in the lucrative league in a number of ways.
In Dubai, the 33-year-old lit up the auction table, winning an incredible INR 24.75 crore from the Kolkata Knight Riders. He was the most expensive player in history after receiving bids from many teams, breaking Pat Cummins‘ record of 20.50 crore in the same auction.
Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast hosted by Brad Haddin and Adam Peacock on YouTube, Mitchell Starc said he is happy with the way his career has turned out and has no regrets. He declared:
“I made some choices, which I don’t regret at all. I think it’s probably helped my Test career, so I’m very happy with how it’s all gone. Very grateful to have some interest in the auction and excited, thrilled, surprised. There’s plenty of words you can describe the night.”
Mitchell Starc
The New South Welshman has already represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the cash-rich championship (2014, 2015). He has collected 34 wickets in 27 IPL matches, at an average of little more than 20.
“Great justification for the hard work he has put in” – Alyssa Healy on Mitchell Starc
During a news conference on Wednesday, Australia women’s team captain and Mitchell Starc’s wife Alyssa Healy remarked on how he has been rewarded for putting his country first over the years. She said:
“Look, it is what it is. It is an amazing moment for Mitch. It is a great justification for the hard work he has put in and (for) probably some of the choices he has made over the last eight years to put his country first. I was actually in the gym, working hard (and) watching it all unfold. It was an amazing day for him and Pat (Cummins).”
Alyssa Healy
Mitchell Starc missed the 2016 and 2018 IPL seasons due to injuries. He opted out of the auction in 2017 and will not play in the 2019 ODI World Cup. According to Cricket Australia, he declined to compete in the previous three editions of the competition.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the IPL 2024 is the greatest preparation for the Australian fast.
