'Bumrah ko gumrah na kro Starc' - Fans react as Mitchell Starc reveals why he skips IPL, shares major wish ahead of WTC final

All Categories

Mitchell Starc (Source: Twitter)

Mitchell Starc is someone fans love to watch on the field in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but the Australian star pacer has been staying away from the world's biggest cricket tournament for a few years now. However, as he prepares for what will most likely be his career's biggest match - the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 - the left-arm fast bowler has opened up about why he is skipping franchise cricket tournaments and concentrating solely on international events.

Starc last played in the IPL eight years ago. He represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during 2014 and 2015 seasons and had a decent showing in the league, taking 34 wickets from 27 matches. The 33-year-old was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.4 crore in the 2018 IPL auction but did not play a single match for the franchise that season.

Since then, he has avoided the cash-rich league and focused only on international matches. With just one day from the start of the WTC final between India and Australia, Starc said that he has always desired to play for his country longer and would love to play 100 Test matches.

"Money's nice, but I'd love to play 100 Test matches"

Speaking to cricket.com.au, Starc said: "To choose not to do certain things to prolong playing for Australia, I've tried to be smart about that. Yeah, the money's nice, but I'd love to play 100 Test matches. Whether I get there or not, I don't know, but that would be a nice one to tick off. Hopefully, there's a little bit left in me."

"To play three formats for over 10 years, it's been a lot of pain along the way, but I'm grateful I've gotten that far. Whilst I've tried to add to the bow, as soon as I lose air speed, there's going to be someone chasing me. Once that next left-armer is coming through, yeah, I'm sure I'll know when I know."

As Australia look to avenge their loss to India in the 2023 Border Gavaskar Trophy and claim their maiden WTC title, the Australian pace attack comprising Starc and captain Pat Cummins will play a crucial role at The Oval.

Here's how fans reacted to Mitchell Starc's statement: 

All cricketers are running after financial incentives and this man embraced valor. National pride in its truest essence outweighs the lure of monetary rewards.
Respect  🫡

— Qammer Majid (@al_qammer) June 6, 2023

Worldcup year and you'll see beast Starc unleashing.

— Yasin patel (@yasinrelay) June 6, 2023

100% great stuff. Takes balls to reject big money

— Zipf (@brisktrader) June 6, 2023

Starc's passion and dedication to playing for Australia is inspiring. Money may come and go, but the honor of playing 100 Test matches is priceless. 🔥🏏 See my homepage plz

— R Johnston (@RJohnst57128404) June 6, 2023

That's why he is the greatest....He took care of him so that he can play Multinational tournaments for Australia....
For next 1 year.....Bumrah have to do this...

— Kunal Bishwal (@KunalBishwal18) June 6, 2023

In india without ipl contract you arent a cricketer any more well done starc u r a champion who loves country 1st then money

— Nitin Jain (@nitinjainyash) June 6, 2023

It's high time other seam bowlers learn from him. Money isn't everything..

Archer, Boult, Bumrah, Hazlewood are prime examples.

— ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಮಾಯೆ (@tulunaduUtd) June 6, 2023

Bro trolling biggest league in the world lol

— Harsh V | CSK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (@harshv2502) June 6, 2023

Jasprit Bumrah Hasn't Been Harmed In This Tweet

— Navyanth (@Navyanth_17) June 6, 2023

Idhar log 14 match ke ipl ke liye fitness ko jokhim me daal dete 😅

— SANGHARSH PATIL (@Sangharsh2710) June 6, 2023