Mitchell Starc has said he is looking forward to a bit of circus in the IPL as he is set to make his return to the league for the first time in nearly 9 years with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming 2024 edition.
Starc became the costliest player in the history of the auction when he was bought by KKR in December 2023 for a whopping 24.70 crores after an intense bidding war with Gujarat Titans. The Australian pacer played two seasons of the IPL in 2014 and 2015 with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and had picked up 34 wickets across both campaigns.
Starc was initially supposed to join KKR in 2018, when he was picked up by the 2-time IPL Champions in the mega auction. However, he decided to pull out of the season and was subsequently released.
Definitely a new challenge: Mitchell Starc
Speaking to cricket.com.au, Starc said he was excited about getting stuck in and felt it was going to be a new challenge for him. The Aussie pacer said that he was looking forward to playing in what is the best T20 league in the world.
“It’s been 8 years, I think. Back to KKR where I was supposed to be in 2018. So I’ll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple. I guess my memories are a few and far between of back in 2014 and 2015 with RCB but yeah, really excited to get stuck in. Obviously, a new group of players. A bunch of guys I certainly haven’t met or been able to work with before.”
“A couple of guys that I’ve, international guys that I’ve played against and come across. Yeah, it’s gonna be exciting. It’s definitely a new challenge. But yeah, it’ll be exciting. It’s always a bit of a circus when it is the best T20 league in the world. So, yeah I look forward to it,” said Starc.
Starc will be in action on March 23 as he is expected to line up for KKR during their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens.