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Mark Taylor has advised cricketers to follow a similar path as Mitchell Starc, who has ended a nine-year hiatus from the IPL to claim a record $4.4 million pay day.
Starc broke the record for the biggest price paid at an IPL Auction, only an hour after Pat Cummins was picked up for a record $3.66 million by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Starc was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders.
The left-arm quick last played the IPL in 2015 with Royal Challengers Bangalore, but left the league to prioritise his fitness and commitment to Australia.
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Starc was bought by KKR in 2018 but failed to play a game and also pulled out in 2022 due to “bubble fatigue” during COVID-19.
Since last playing in the IPL, Starc has forged a career as one of the best fast bowlers in the world and currently has 82 Test caps to his name.
Former Australian captain Taylor believes the prices thrown around by rich IPL clubs could represent problems for the future of the long format.
“I think Australia have got it right but that pressure is going to be even greater in years to come – there’s already talks about a second IPL, there’s Dubai leagues, there’s American leagues popping up everywhere,” he told 9News.
“… There’s an ongoing threat to Test cricket, getting that balance right and maintaining and prioritising Test cricket is going to get tougher.”
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The 59-year-old added there’s a need for young players to model themselves on the likes of Starc, who dominated the international arena before taking the riches on offer in the IPL.
“I hope the players follow in that Mitchell Starc mould,” he said.
“Work on getting your baggy green, work on becoming a great Test cricketer, knowing full well the IPL will always be there.”
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