Mitchell Starc, the veteran Australian quick and former IPL superstar, has confirmed he’s not returning to the IPL. The tournament will continue on with him no longer in it. Starc has featured in all 11 matches for the Delhi Capitals so far. Now, he is setting his sights on gearing up for the next World Test Championship final. This all-important clash is scheduled to start at Lord’s on June 11, only a short time after an exhausting IPL schedule.
The Delhi Capitals are still alive in the IPL play-off race, sitting in fifth place on the table. His absence, along with the massive impact to their campaign to follow. They’re just as adamant about wanting to get a place locked down before the playoffs tipoff on May 29. The Capitals are one team just outside that top four. They need to win as many of their last games as possible to get into the playoffs!
At 35 years old, Starc still has plenty of experience and ability in his arsenal. He has proven one of the greatest investments down under for the Australian Test team. The full list of players will meet in the UK on June 4. In fact, they’re getting ready to go back-to-back defending their World Test title! This time to train is especially valuable considering the magnitude of the championship game, as they’ll face a tough Brazilian side.
In the background, South Africa’s Test players are left dangling on the uncertainty of their involvement in the IPL. Eight members of the South African team are currently playing in the league. Included in this number are ace Test cricketers such as Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram. Cricket South Africa has not ruled out these players participating further in the tournament. Our fans are chomping at the bit to see how they could get involved themselves. Shukri Conrad, head coach of the Proteas, had told us that they were “not moving” on their players’ return deadline of May 26. This return date is essential for giving them sufficient preparation time prior to their warm-up fixture against Zimbabwe at Arundel on June 3.
In Australia, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is currently dealing with a shoulder injury. This begs the question when will he be back on the field wearing the red of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The franchise is second in the standings with three matches left to play. A final decision on Hazlewood’s participation is still outstanding. This lack of clarity makes tracking much more difficult for teams as they try to gauge player readiness and roster availability.
As the IPL approaches its concluding stages and the World Test Championship final looms, teams are making critical decisions that could influence both tournaments. Starc’s prioritization of international commitments is an example of a larger movement of players choosing responsibility to their national teams over league play.
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