Tracing Australian speedster Mitchell Starc’s IPL career, it has been that of a ‘runaway bride’. Despite putting his ring on the hat before several auctions, Starc had pulled out of tournaments citing workload and injury issues.
Overall, the left-arm slinger has appeared in only two seasons of the IPL, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2013 and 2014 editions.
Starc was even at legal loggerheads with the KKR franchise who offered an exorbitant amount for the services of the Australian.
Moreover, ahead of the auctions for IPL 2020, the premier seamer decided to opt-out of the tournament, looking at the international schedule.
As it turned out, with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, all cricketing actions were put on hold.
Further, in September, barring Starc, Australian internationals participating in IPL 2020 will have to fly to UAE, after completing their limited-overs tour of the UK.
In hindsight, Starc has remained unperturbed about his premature pull-out from the cash-rich league, citing workload issues.
“I know hindsight is a wonderful thing and now the IPL is on at a different time, but no, I wouldn’t change it. I’m happy to spend that time when the blokes are at the IPL in September I’ll be getting ready for the summer,” Starc told cricket.com.au.
“The IPL will be around next year and if I feel the urge or people want me around I’ll definitely consider it, but as of this year I’m very comfortable with the decisions I’ve made,” he added.
Further, Australia’s tour of the UK is subjected to clearance from the government. The 30-year-old bowler had his say on Cricket Australia’s ongoing tussle for the England tour.
“It (tour) is still very much up in the air which is the way of the world at the moment. It’s changing day by day. We’re having weekly meetings about the challenges of the tour and where this all sits.
“We’ve got another one on Thursday to see if there are any progressions on that. All the players are preparing to play and planning to go. It’s now up to Cricket Australia and the government on both sides as to whether we jump on that plane. In terms of the cricket, we’ll just get ready for the series,” Starc concluded.
