Mitchell Starc Contemplates Dropping A Cricket Format For Franchise Play

Chennai, May 27 (PTI): After a decade of prioritising his commitment to the 'Baggy Green,' Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has hinted at potentially quitting one format to accommodate more franchise cricket in his schedule.

While the 34-year-old did not specify which format he might drop, it is speculated to be ODIs, considering the next 50-over World Cup is in 2027.

Starc, who was acquired for a record 24.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders, showcased exceptional performance towards the end of the tournament. He claimed 17 wickets, including five in the two knockout games, leading to a dominant title win for the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team.

Responding to a query from PTI about his future plans after his best year in franchise cricket, Starc suggested that T20s could become more prominent in his schedule.

"For the last nine years, I have prioritised Australian cricket. I often pulled out to give my body a break and spend time with my wife. That's where my focus has been," Starc said after his match-winning 2/14 in the IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"Moving forward, I am closer to the end of my career than the start. One format may be dropped as there is a long time until the next World Cup. Whether that format drops off or not will open doors for more franchise cricket," he added.

Starc mentioned that this year's IPL would help him prepare for the T20 World Cup in West Indies starting June 1.

"...that's another benefit of being here, playing with some great players in an excellent tournament. It is a great lead-up to WT20, and success has been fantastic. Many players are in good form heading into the World Cup," he said.

He expressed hope of returning to KKR next year. "I don't know the schedule exactly but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to be back next year, hopefully seen in purple and gold again."

Starc agreed with many others that the Impact Player rule led to high scores in the IPL and that the World T20 would not witness such high totals. He predicted more assistance for spinners from worn-out tracks.

"T20 is not as physically demanding as Test cricket. It's been warm and humid here, which plays a part but that's fine. It would be cooler in the West Indies," he said when asked about his physical condition after two months of IPL.

"There's no Impact Player Rule in the World Cup, so you need a more balanced team relying on all-rounders. You can't have your batting all-rounder coming in at No. 9 like in IPL.

"I don't think we will see scores like 270... Wickets may play a part as we have seen high-scoring matches here, but wickets won't be the same in West Indies.

"They might turn and be more tired towards the end of the tournament, posing more of a threat by staying low. I hope bowlers come into play more than they have in IPL," he said.

Don't need extra motivation for price tags

During the initial phase where he was finding his rhythm, Starc faced criticism, and his multi-crore price tag was often highlighted. However, he remains unfazed by it.

"You don't need extra motivation. I am here as an overseas international. It's not just for last night (Qualifier 1) or this final that I have been brought over here."

"I am glad to contribute. There are jokes throughout and only friendly banter. Price tags don't bother me now as I have had plenty of critics throughout my career," he concluded.