'Australian cricket front': Mitchell Starc will always prioritise playing for country over franchise cricket

Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc is arguably one of the best fast bowlers of present times. The left-armer has established himself as one of the leading cricketers in all three formats of the game and has been an asset to any side he has played for. He has also featured in franchise cricket tournaments and was part of the cash-rich Indian Premier League and Australian T20 tournament, Big Bash. However, in recent years, he has distanced himself from all of these leagues.

And in a recent interview with AAP, he opened up on not returning to the IPL, saying that he will always prioritise playing for Australia over franchise cricket.

"I have always enjoyed the BBL when I have played it... but my approach with all franchise cricket hasn't changed over the last seven years," Starc said. "My approach to the IPL, BBL, I have looked at the Australian schedule and wanting to be as fit and well-performed for that as I can. And franchise cricket has taken a back seat."

"The schedule in the next 18 months is ridiculous. I will always keep Australian cricket front of mind, and then franchise cricket (second). I also like spending time at home and seeing my wife (Australia wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy)."

Starc last played in the IPL in 2015 when he was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore side under Virat Kohli’s leadership. He has picked up 34 wickets in two seasons for the Bengaluru-based side.

He was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2018 mega auction for Rs 9.4 crore, but opted out of the tournament before it began due to an injury. And since then, he has not featured in the world’s richest franchise cricket league. Starc last played in the Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers in 2014-15, as he did in the IPL.