‘Bodied IPL trophy merchant’ – Fans rally behind Mitchell Starc’s ‘my goal is to play for Australia’ statement

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc last played an IPL game for RCB in the 2015 season. That year, he was the highest wicket-taker for Australia in the ODI World Cup. After missing the 20-20 World Cup 2016, Starc hadn’t played in the league. Apart from this, he hasn’t played the Big Bash League at home in the last few years. Meanwhile, the left-arm pacer said that he enjoyed playing the IPL.

“I enjoyed it (IPL), likewise I enjoyed my time at Yorkshire 10 years ago, but Australia will always sit at the top. I don’t regret any of it, money will come and go but I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had,” Starc told The Guardian.

The two-time World Cup winner added that playing Test cricket for Australia is a special feeling.

“Over a hundred years of Test cricket and there’s been less than 500 men who have played it for Australia, that in itself makes it very special to be a part of it.

“The traditionalist in me still hopes there is a generation of boys and girls who want to represent their country in Test cricket. But the easy money is in franchise cricket, it’s the fast track to notoriety,” he added.

Would love to play IPL again: Mitchell Starc

The New South Wales player further added that he would love to play in the cash-rich league again. However, he also said that in franchise cricket, players are brought and sold in every 12 months.

“I’d certainly love to play in the IPL again, but my goal for a long time has been to be at my best for Australia, no matter the format,” said Starc.

“Franchise cricket is great, but you can be bought or sold or traded in 12 months, whereas this is an opportunity (Playing Tests) that I’ve been fortunate enough to have over 10 years now…To be able to pull on the baggy green with a lot of my close mates, guys I’ve grown up in the game with.”

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