Cricket

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has hinted at potentially retiring from one format of international cricket to accommodate more franchise cricket in his schedule. The 34-year-old, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Test and ODI teams for over a decade, has expressed his desire to prioritize franchise cricket as he nears the twilight of his career.Starc's decision comes after a stellar season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a pivotal role in their title triumph. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets, including five in the two knockout games, showcasing his exceptional skills and match-winning abilities.While Starc did not explicitly state which format he intends to give up, it is likely to be ODIs considering the next 50-over World Cup is not scheduled until 2027. This would allow him to focus on T20 cricket, which has gained immense popularity in recent years and offers lucrative financial opportunities.Starc's decision reflects the changing landscape of cricket, where franchise leagues are becoming increasingly competitive and financially rewarding. Players are now faced with the dilemma of balancing their international commitments with the allure of lucrative contracts in franchise cricket.Starc's experience in the IPL has not only boosted his confidence but also provided him with valuable preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies. He believes that the tournament will be a different challenge compared to the IPL, with pitches likely to offer more assistance to spinners and lower scores expected.Despite the criticism he faced during the early stages of the IPL, Starc remained unfazed and focused on contributing to his team's success. He emphasized that he does not need additional motivation from his price tag and that he is committed to performing at his best for whichever team he represents.Starc's decision to potentially retire from one format of international cricket is a significant development in the world of cricket. It highlights the growing influence of franchise leagues and the challenges faced by players in balancing their international and franchise commitments.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has expressed his preference for prioritizing international cricket over lucrative T20 franchise leagues. Zampa, who withdrew from the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to fatigue, believes that representing Australia brings him a greater sense of fulfillment."I've really come to love playing for Australia," Zampa said. "It's always been enjoyable, but under the current leadership, it's just so much more so. I make good money playing for Australia, and I would love to prioritize that and being with my family."Zampa acknowledged that franchise cricket has its benefits, but it doesn't compare to the camaraderie and atmosphere of the Australian dressing room. "I don't get enough out of franchise cricket," he said. "It's great for certain aspects of your life, but it's not like being in the Aussie dressing room. I don't get the same buzz out of it."The leg-spinner had previously considered becoming a globe-trotting T20 player, but has since realized that he prefers a more balanced approach. "I've thought about playing franchise cricket all year round, but after winning the World Cup and having a young family, I've realized I want to play cricket for as long as I can," he said. "Instead of trying to play for nine or 10 months of the year, I'd rather play for six or seven."Zampa is excited about Australia's upcoming T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies and the USA, where he will reunite with left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. "I feel like there's a little bit of unfinished business," Zampa said. "Ash missed out on the last World Cup, and I really think this is his World Cup to put his stamp on."Zampa also praised the potential of young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who was in contention for a traveling reserve role before suffering an injury. "He's had a lot of niggles and injuries, but he's years ahead of where I was at his age," Zampa said. "He's really smart and certainly going to have a long career for Australia."