KKR pacer Mitchell Starc hints ODI retirement, also opens up on his chances of playing in IPL 2025

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mitchell Starc has hinted about his retirement from ODI cricket after winning the IPL 2024 title in Chennai on Sunday, May 26.

The left-arm pacer prevailed once again on the big stage and picked two crucial wickets in the powerplay as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were bundled out for 113. KKR won the match by eight wickets to clinch their third IPL title.

Starc, who became the costliest player in the IPL history after KKR bought him for Rs 24.75 crore in IPL 2024 auction, finished his campaign with 17 wickets in 14 matches. The Australia left-arm pacer returned to play in the IPL for the first time after 2015.

The 34-year-old is eager to return and play for KKR in the IPL 2025, and is ready to retire from one of the formats for it. Starc said that the next ODI World Cup was scheduled for 2027, and there also was uncertainty over the future of the 50-over format. He said giving up on a format will allow him to play overseas T20 leagues.

"For the last nine years, I certainly prioritized Australian cricket. I have pulled out often to have a chance to give my body a break and spend some time away from cricket with my wife as well, so that's certainly been where my head has been for the last nine years," Starc said.

"Moving forward, I am certainly close to the end of my career than the start. One format may be dropped off as there is long time till next World Cup and whether that format drops off or not, that will open doors for a lot of franchise cricket.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this season as it leads into a World Cup and that's the other side of benefit of being here, some amazing players in an amazing tournament and great lead up to WT20 and success has been fantastic. It is great that a lot of players are in good position heading into the World Cup.

"I don't know the schedule exactly but I have thoroughly enjoyed and hope to be back next year and hopefully, seen in purple and gold again," he added.

Notably, the 50-over ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held next year. Also, there is a World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled to be held in 2025. A T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka early in 2026.

Starc has played 89 Tests, 121 ODIs and 60 T20Is till date. He will be seen playing for Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies in June.