Mitchell Starc has decided to skip IPL 2017

The preparations of the Royal Challengers Bangalore will take a beating as their premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming season of the IPL. After being advised by Cricket Australia, he will give the league a skip and instead focus on rehabilitation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled in June.

The Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Pat Howard said, “Mitch has had a very big summer, bowling a high number of balls, and has managed extremely well considering the less than ideal preparation he had leading into the season with his left leg injury. He still has a large workload to get through in the next six months with four Tests against India and then the ICC Champions Trophy after the player leave period in May”.

“Following discussions with both Mitch, Royal Challengers Bangalore and our own medical staff it has been agreed that Mitch would benefit considerably from a break in cricket to allow him to fully rehabilitate and strengthen his body ahead of the Champions Trophy,” he added.

Starc who is in line to play the Test series in India said that he is focussing on the 4 Tests currently but would love to play for the RCB next year as he has thoroughly enjoyed the tournament.

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He said, “At this point in time after a long summer and with a big tour of India still ahead I think it is in my best interests, both physically and mentally, for me to have a break, spend time with my family and take the opportunity to work on getting back to full fitness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Bangalore and I certainly hope to be back playing for them in the future and wish them all the best in this year’s IPL”.

Starc’s short career has already been marred by multiple injuries and it makes a lot of sense to preserve him from the hectic IPL tour that involves traveling almost every day. RCB has decided to serve their ties with the player and will now have to cover up for him in the upcoming player auction.

NEWS ALERT: @RCBTweets, Mitchell Starc discontinue their association ahead of 2017 season pic.twitter.com/fSounrYkQb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 19, 2017