Veteran Australian paceman Mitchell Starc has been released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 12th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 28-year-old himself revealed the development but hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing for another franchise.
Starc, who has also represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was bought in the 2018 mega-auction for a whopping INR 9.4 crore. However, he missed the entire last season due to injury.
"I got a text message two days ago from the owners of Kolkata saying I've been released from my contract, so at the moment I'll be home in April. I didn't go last year with my tibia injury. It was a great opportunity to freshen the body up and let it heal by itself. Barring the little niggle in the hammy, I feel pretty good with my body and my strength and the rest of it,” Starc said.
Meanwhile, the Aussie speedster is planning to utilise the benefits of a well-rested winter with the World Cup and the Ashes series to come to England next year.
“If I don't play the IPL next year it's a good opportunity to freshen up for a massive six months of cricket in the UK. At the moment for me, I just want to play as much Test cricket and one-day cricket for Australia as I can. IPL is a lovely bonus on the pay packet but if I miss that to play more Test matches then I'm taking that option,” he added.