In a surprising revelation, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc shared his disappointment after losing his Rs 24.75 crore ($4.4 million) contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming IPL season. Despite being a key player in KKR’s 2024 title-winning season, Starc admitted that he received no communication from the franchise regarding his release.
“It is what it is, that’s franchise cricket,” Starc told The Daily Telegraph. “I still haven’t heard from them.” His comment highlights the sometimes cold nature of franchise cricket, where decisions can be made without direct communication. Starc, who played a pivotal role in the IPL final, ultimately fell short of meeting expectations tied to his record-breaking contract, leading to KKR’s decision not to retain him.
Turning 35 and Returning to IPL Auction: Mitchell Starc
Turning 35 next year, Starc remains determined to return to the IPL despite questions about his future in the league. This year’s IPL marked his comeback after an extended absence since 2015, during which he chose to prioritise family and Test cricket. “The money is always nice… but I’ve always prioritised international cricket,” he said last year, reflecting on his IPL choices.
Balancing his and his wife Alyssa Healy’s demanding schedules, Starc had previously skipped IPL to spend time with family, emphasising how important those breaks were for him personally and professionally. “Juggling one cricket schedule is hard enough, let alone when there’s two in a relationship,” he remarked.
Despite losing the KKR contract, Starc plans to enter the 2025 IPL auction, indicating his readiness to continue adapting his career around the demands of international and franchise cricket.
Limited Retention for Aussies in IPL
Starc wasn’t the only prominent Australian to lose his IPL contract this season. David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitch Marsh, along with several other Aussies, will head to the auction pool after not being retained. Only Pat Cummins and Travis Head received retentions, with Cummins set to continue captaining the Sunrisers Hyderabad, a role he’s thrived in, securing 18 wickets over 16 matches last season. Travis Head, who was a top-four run-scorer in 2024, also retained his contract, while many compatriots missed out.
Glimpse of IPL Auction Pool for 2025
As the 2025 auction approaches, Starc will join a competitive group of players aiming for renewed contracts, including Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and more. Starc’s performance in the upcoming season may well determine the future of his career in franchise cricket and test his ability to balance his dedication to the Australian national team with the appeal of high-profile leagues.
List of Australians Released from IPL Contracts for 2025:
- Mitchell Starc (KKR, $4.4m)
- Cameron Green (RCB, $3.15m)
- Glenn Maxwell (RCB, $2m)
- David Warner (DC, $1.16m)
- Jhye Richardson (DC, $892,000)
- Matthew Wade (GT, $446,000)
This shakeup in franchise choices reflects both the competitive and unpredictable landscape of the IPL as international players continue to balance global commitments and the lure of lucrative T20 leagues.
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