Australia speedster Mitchell Starc has sensationally revealed that he was a click away from entering the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions but opted to stay away. Starc, who received the Allan Border medal for Australia's Men's Player of the Year for 2021, expressed his feelings ahead of the auctions. The IPL auctions are set to take place on February 12 and February 13.
Starc reveals
"I was a click of the button away from entering the auction but personally didn't want to spend 22 more weeks in a bubble," Starc said in a conversation with Espn.in.
The 32-year-old Australia pacer, has been left frustrated with the bio-bubble concept, which has become a common norm in recent times. He was not ready to play another 22 weeks in the restricted passage, after facing the same with the national side.
Bio-bubble for the national team
The Australian national team has been in strict bio-bubble protocols for the last couple of years since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and Starc has been a regular member of the squad.
“They'll be a time where I'd love to go back to the IPL but in terms of wanting to play as much as I can for Australia that's a decision I've done for a while," the 31-year-old further quoted.
"Obviously last year was particularly tough on and off the field.
"I probably didn't play the cricket I wanted to and, at certain stages, I probably didn't want to play cricket at all,” the left-arm pacer further added.
Starc in IPL
He previously represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and had also vowed to come back one day in the premier competition. For now, though, he is focused on the national duties with Australia. The IPL auctions will attract a huge chunk of attraction from the Australian players as a number of players will be eyeing for a lucrative contract.
The latest IPL auctions will have 10 teams participating rather than the traditional eight. With the addition of the Ahmedabad and Lucknow franchises, players around the world will have the opportunity to showcase their talent.
