IPL 2024: After the title win, Mitchell Starc made a big statement, and hinted at retiring from any one format.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who played an important role in the victory of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), made a big statement. Australia's Starc has hinted that he may also skip one format to play more franchise cricket. Starc is the highest-paid player in IPL history. KKR bought Starc for the IPL 2024 season by paying Rs 24.75 crore. Starc performed strongly in the Qualifier-1 and final matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and played an important role in helping the team win the title. 

Can retire from ODI

Starc, who avoided the lure of lucrative private leagues for almost a decade due to his commitment to the national team, has hinted that he may give up one format to include more franchise cricket in his schedule. Although the 34-year-old fast bowler did not reveal which format he wants to leave, considering that the next 50-over World Cup will be held in 2027, it is likely to be the ODI format.

Want to give priority to franchise cricket

Starc said, in the last nine years I have given priority to Australian cricket. I mostly opted out of these tournaments to give my body a rest and a chance to spend some time with my wife away from cricket, so that's been where my mind has been focused over the last nine years. I'm nearing the end of my career. One can retire from a format because there is still a lot of time till the next World Cup and whether I stop playing in that format or not, it will open doors for a lot of franchise cricket.

IPL helped in preparation for the World Cup

Starc said that this year's IPL helped him prepare for the T20 World Cup starting in America and West Indies from June 2. He said, T20 World Cup is the other side of the benefits of being held here. Some great players in a fantastic tournament and the preparation and success ahead of the T20 World Cup have been excellent. It is great that many players are in very good shape for the World Cup.

Starc hopes to play for KKR next year also

There is a mega auction to be held before the next season, but Starc is hopeful that he will play for KKR next year as well. He said, 'I don't know the program very well, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to come back next year and hopefully be seen in the KKR jersey again.' Starc, like many others, agreed that the impact player rule has led to big scores in the IPL and a big score like 270 will not be seen in the T20 World Cup. He said that he expects more help from the spinners in the T20 World Cup.