Starc looking forward to IPL return after eight years

Sydney, Sep 7 (PTI) Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is likely to feature in the IPL for the first time since 2015 after deciding to put his name in the auction ahead of the 2024 edition.

The left-arm pacer, who has often prioritised national duty over IPL participation, has played two seasons for Royal Challengers Bangalore with the last one being in 2015.

Starc feels an IPL stint before the T20 World Cup in June next year makes a lot of sense.

“Look it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back in (next) year,” Starc told the ‘Willow Talk’ cricket podcast.

“Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup. So a good opportunity to see if anyone’s interested in the IPL, then lead into the T20 World Cup. And it’s somewhat of a quiet winter next year in comparison to this winter, so I think a perfect opportunity to put my name in.”

Starc, who has represented Australia in 82 Tests, hopes he remains good enough to play 100 games for his country.

“Not just get to 100, I’d like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests. And then the big one obviously in a couple of weeks is the World Cup, which in India just goes to another level.

“And then you look at the one-day format, it’s sort of four years in between World Cups, so where do I see myself in that mix? But I’ve got to get to the end of this World Cup first.”

Talking about some talented youngsters in the national team, Starc said, “We’ve got some superstars coming through. You’ve got your Jhye Richardsons, your Sean Abbotts, your Spencer Johnsons.

“You’ve got plenty of young guys coming through. (Lance) Morris is going to be a gun.”

He said he does not want to look too far ahead with anything but hoping to do well in the 50-over World Cup (October-November) in India.

“Then we’ve got five Test matches here in Australia and then I haven’t actually played a Test in New Zealand, so hopefully I’m on that tour and look forward to that challenge as well.”