IPL 2025: Mitchell Starc Voices Discontent Over Lack of Communication from KKR Following IPL Release
Mitchell Starc has expressed his frustration with Kolkata Knight Riders, the winning side of the 2024 IPL, for their lack of communication regarding his release from the squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline on October 31.
The veteran Australian pacer, who made a significant comeback to the IPL after a nine-year absence, played a pivotal role in KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2024, claiming 17 crucial wickets throughout the tournament, including his standout performances and crucial breakthroughs in the playoffs and final.
With the IPL’s new guidelines allowing franchises to retain up to six players, KKR has decided to keep their all-time favorites like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and new-gen promising cricketers like Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy. This decision resulted in the release of key players, including captain Shreyas Iyer, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, and Starc, who will now re-enter the auction pool.
Starc’s return to the IPL was strategic, as he aimed to sharpen his form in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup then. His participation mirrored that of fellow Australians Travis Head and Pat Cummins, who also sought opportunities in the previous auction. About this incident, this veteran Aussie bowler stated while expressing his disappointment
“I still haven’t heard from them. It is what it is; that’s franchise cricket.”
Following the incident the CEO of the franchise Venky Mysore said
“Obviously the number of retention does feel less because we first build a squad to compete. After achieving such a dominant season and winning our third championship, it becomes even more challenging to release players from a squad you’ve meticulously built.”
This unfortunate incident will surely add great spice to the upcoming auction table where everyone will eye for this masterclass bowler to strengthen their pace unit.
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