Marcus Stoinis Eyes International Return Despite Missing Out on CA Contract

Marcus Stoinis, the 34-year-old Australian all-rounder, has expressed his desire to continue playing for Australia beyond the T20 World Cup, despite missing out on a Cricket Australia (CA) contract for 2024-25.

Stoinis, who has been a key member of Australia's T20I side, has not been offered a CA contract for the upcoming season. However, he remains contracted with CA until June 30, 2023, and is expected to be part of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup in October-November.

Speaking after his match-winning century for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday, Stoinis said he understood the decision to omit him from the CA contract list. He believes it is an opportunity for younger players to step up and take his place.

"I've got a great relationship with the [Australia] coach [Andrew McDonald]," Stoinis said. "Me not getting a contract, I knew that a while ago. I think it is great to give younger kids a crack and let them take my spot. I'm absolutely fine with that on the contract list."

However, Stoinis made it clear that he still has aspirations to play international cricket beyond the T20 World Cup. He has been in regular communication with McDonald and Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey about his future role in the team.

"But on the playing front, obviously want to make sure that I'm there and that's also why it's so lucky for us and for me particularly to have this competition [the IPL], that's why I love it so much," Stoinis said.

Australia's next limited-overs assignment after the T20 World Cup is in September in England, which includes five ODIs and three T20Is. They only have one other T20I series in the 2024-25 contract period, against Pakistan at home in November. They also have three ODIs against Pakistan in November, which is their last ODI series before the Champions Trophy.

Stoinis has opted not to seek a state contract with Western Australia, but he has not ruled out playing domestic cricket in the future. His availability will depend on his freelance schedule and WA's desire for continuity within their program.

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