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IPL 2019: Kolkata Knight Riders release Mitchell Starc

However, it is not yet clear why KKR decided to dump Mitchell Starc.

IPL 2019: Kolkata Knight Riders release Mitchell Starc

Australia's Mitchell Starc (R) (Photo : AFP)

Star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc might not be a part of the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL 2019) after Shah Rukh Khan-owned team Kolkata Knight Riders released him from his contract.

On Wednesday, speaking to media in Sydney, Starc said KKR had informed him via a message that he would not be part of their plans for the 2019 tournament. Mitchell Starc was one of the of the most expensive buys during the IPL auction for 2018.

However, it is not yet clear why KKR decided to dump him.

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“I got a text message two days ago from the owners of Kolkata saying I’ve been released from my contract,” Starc said, adding, “At the moment I’ll be home in April.”

The auction for IPL 2019 will take place next month and Starc can still nominate himself for the cash-rich league. However, Starc might skip the upcoming IPL as he wants to prepare for the ICC World Cup 2019.

“If I don’t play the IPL next year it’s a good opportunity to freshen up for a massive six months of cricket in the UK,” Starc said.

Speaking about his plans, Australia said, “At the moment for me I just want to play as much Test and one-day cricket for Australia as I can. The IPL is a lovely bonus on the pay packet but if I miss that to play more Test matches, I’m taking that option.”

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