Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has said he will be returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. The last time he played in the league was in 2015 for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
After that Starc went on to play a pivotal role in helping Australia win the World Cup in 2015 and later went on to play in two tours to the West Indies and England for the Ashes series.
In 2018, Starc was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders but withdrew due to injury. He announced his return to the league on a podcast called 'Willow Talk Cricket Podcast' "Look it's been eight years. I'm definitely going back in (next) year." "Amongst other things, it's a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup.” “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 added.
Given Starc's proven track record in T20 cricket, his return could spice up the auction. His pace and skill could prove to be an asset for teams looking to bolster their fast-bowling arsenals.
On Wednesday, he was named in Australia's 15-member ODI World Cup squad. He is also expected to be a part of the Australian squad for a three-match ODI series against India. During his IPL career so far, Starc has taken 47 wickets in the 27 games he has played.
The No. 2-ranked ODI bowler is married to Alyssa Healy, a wicketkeeper for the Australian women's team and niece of former Australia wicketkeeper, Ian Healy. Healy played for UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League in 2023. His 100th test game will come up in the 2025-26 Ashes.
