The Australian pace star Mitchell Starc has called time on his T20I career ahead of the T20 World Cup coming up next year.
Starc has been one of Australia's most prolific shorter-format bowlers and has played a key role in their success over the years.
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The veteran pacer has cited Test cricket as one of the primary reasons for him giving up on the T20I format. Starc mentioned that his focus would now primarily be on playing red-ball cricket for Australia.
Now, after his international retirement from the shorter version of the sport, the question is - Will Starc feature in the IPL?
Will Mitchell Starc play Indian Premier League 2026?
Yes, Mitchell Starc will feature in the Indian Premier League. The Australian pacer has retired from just the international version of T20 cricket and will be available to play in the domestic leagues around the world.
Starc is currently a part of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He ended the previous edition of the league with a total of 14 wickets in 11 matches at a decent bowling average of 26.
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The Australian speed star was also the highest-paid cricketer in the 2024 edition of the IPL after he was bought by KKR for a whopping sum of 24.75 Cr.
Starc has, however, been one of those players who have often prioritized international cricket over franchise leagues. He has only featured in four IPL seasons to date, with just 52 IPL matches to his name.
"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said in a statement. "I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way.
Starc's focus will now shift to the big Ashes coming up later this year. To kick off their summer, Australia will play England in a five-match Test series at home. Ahead of that, the World Champions will also take on India for a three-match ODI series.