Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is contemplating making a comeback to the IPL after a lengthy hiatus despite a hectic schedule that includes touring the subcontinent and the T20 World Cup title defence at home later this year.
Starc, who last played in the IPL in 2015, said he hasn’t made the decision yet but entering his name for the league’s mega-auction, the nominations for which close on Friday, is “certainly on the table”.
Starc clinched a contract worth Rs 9.4 crore with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018 but had to be released because of an injury.
The mega-auction ahead of the upcoming season is scheduled to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bangalore.
“I’ve got two days to get my paperwork in, so that might be something to do today (Wednesday) before training,” Starc was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I’ve not put my name down just yet, but I’ve got a couple of more days to decide on that. It’s certainly on the table regardless of what the schedule has got coming up,” he added.
Despite being one of the most valuable T20 bowlers, the left-arm pacer has featured in just two seasons of the IPL owing to injury and workload management. In the 27 matches that he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 and 2015, Starc snared 34 wickets at an economy rate of 7.16 and an impressive strike rate of 17.
However, workload will once again become a key factor as the 31-year-old takes a call. As a multi-format player, Starc will have to juggle a packed schedule.
Australia have a three-match ODI series and one-off T20I at home against New Zealand that follows the Ashes, and then a five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in February. The team is then scheduled to go to Pakistan in late February for three Tests in March, followed by three ODIs and one T20I finishing on April 5.
Australia are also due to visit Sri Lanka for a Test and limited-overs tour in June and July. Thus, there will be no break until August for any multi-format player opting to be involved in the IPL.
