Mitchell Starc hints at ODI retirement after KKR’s emphatic win in IPL 2024 Final

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, a key player in international cricket, has recently hinted at a significant change in his career trajectory. After a triumphant season with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Starc has suggested a possible retirement from one of the formats in international cricket, most likely One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Mitchell Starc’s successful return to IPL

Starc’s return to the IPL in 2024, after a nine-year hiatus, was marked by a stellar performance that contributed significantly to KKR’s victory. He was bought by KKR for a record INR 24.75 crore and ended the season with 17 wickets in 16 games, averaging 26.11. His performance in the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he took 2 wickets for 14 runs, was particularly noteworthy.

The shift in Starc’s focus towards franchise cricket comes after nearly a decade of prioritizing Australian cricket. He has often opted out of the IPL to give his body a break and spend time away from cricket. However, with the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, Starc is contemplating whether to continue in this format.

“Last 9 years I have prioritised Australian cricket and IPL has been my time off and give my body a break and spend some time with my wife also. That’s certainly been what the outlook has been for the last 9 years. Moving forward, look, certainly I am closer to the end of my career than the start, so, one format may drop off. It is a long time away, the next ODI World Cup and whether that format continues for me or not, it may open doors for more franchise cricket, so, I have thoroughly enjoyed this season, it leads into the World Cup, so that’s the other side of it, the benefit of being here. It is an amazing tournament with amazing players and the success has been fantastic,” Mitchell Starc said in the post-match press conference.

Starc’s potential retirement from ODIs could open doors for more franchise cricket in his schedule. He expressed his enjoyment of the IPL season and confirmed his return to the league next year. Ideally, he hopes to return and play for KKR again in 2025.

“Next year, I don’t know the schedule exactly, but as I said, I enjoyed it and I look forward to being back next and hopefully it is purple and gold next year once again,” he further added.

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