Mitchell Starc will not be part of IPL 2021, as the left-arm fast bowler has not registered for the auctions that are scheduled for February 18 in Chennai.
A total of 1097 players – 814 from India and 283 from overseas – registered for the auction by the deadline of February 4, and Starc’s is the most prominent name missing. He last featured in the IPL in 2015 – for the Royal Challengers Bangalore – after his inaugural season the year before. He had a standout year then, taking 20 wickets in 13 games at an average of 14.55 and an economy rate of 6.76.
A combination of injuries and the decision to manage his workload has meant Starc hasn’t been part of the IPL since. The T20 World Cup is set to take place in India later in 2021, and that was expected to be a factor for Starc to register. However, that tournament will be followed by a home Ashes series, and Starc may have chosen to manage his workload considering he would be expected to take part in both for Australia.