Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Will Mitchell Starc play in BBL 12? | Mitchell Starc reveals whether he will be available to play in BBL 12
Mitchell Starc has opted out of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) despite Cricket Australia (CA) being adamant on its top players featuring more regularly in the tournament. Starc last played for the Sydney Sixers way back in 2014-15 and opted out of salaries worth nearly $10 million since then.
The likely cancellation of Australia’s ODI series vs Sri Lanka in January has paved the way for several frontline Aussie international players to turn up for their respective franchises in BBL 12. However, Starc has asserted that his viewpoint of prioritising international cricket is unlikely to change anytime soon.
“I have always enjoyed the BBL when I have played it, but my approach with all franchise cricket hasn’t changed over the last seven years. My approach to the IPL, BBL, I have looked at the Australian schedule and wanting to be as fit and well-performed for that as I can,” the 32-year-old was quoted in a report by the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
He further added, “And franchise cricket has taken a back seat. The schedule in the next 18 months is ridiculous. I will always keep Australian cricket front of mind, and then franchise cricket (second).”
Mitchell Starc opts out of BBL 12, others may follow due to Australia’s big schedule
However, the apprehension of Australian players to participate in the BBL might face a challenge in the coming times. There will be an insistence on getting players contracted to one of the franchises and compelling them to participate in the tournament when they are not injured or engaged in national team duties.
A mechanism of this kind could come into force with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as early as next summer, i.e., 2023. CA has been trying to vehemently defend the league irrespective of complaints over its dropping standards and with Seven Network attempting to break away from its broadcast deal.
However, Starc’s standpoint about a packed international schedule has merit in it as well. Australia is nearing the end of a full-blown tour of Sri Lanka. It has scheduled assignments against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, India, England and West Indies prior to the World T20 later on this year. There will be Test series’ against both the Caribbeans and South Africa as well before the commencement of the BBL window.
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Currently, Mitchell Swepson (Brisbane Heat), Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Nathan Lyon (Sydney Sixers) and Usman Khawaja (Brisbane Heat) are contracted for the upcoming summer. Meanwhile, the CA is trying to add more glitter to the league with the overseas player draft. Faf du Plessis along with Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese and Merchant de Lange have been confirmed as the first four nominees for the process.
