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Mitchell Starc Hopes the Younger Generation Will Prioritize Test Cricket over Franchise Leagues

image-lisk4mg3Starc has stressed on prioritizing Test cricket [AP Photos]

Australia’s Mitchell Starc holds a hopeful perspective regarding the enthusiasm of the upcoming generation towards Test cricket despite the growing prominence of franchise cricket leagues.

Being recognized as a highly skilled performer in white-ball cricket, Starc has intentionally steered clear of franchise cricket to ensure his constant availability for international cricket. Since 2015, he has not participated in premier T20 leagues such as IPL or BBL.

The prevalence of franchise cricket is on the rise, accompanied by discussions about year-long franchise contracts, which could potentially adopt a structure akin to football.

However, Starc, upholding a traditionalist mindset, holds onto hope that there will always be a generation of aspiring individuals, both male and female, who possess the desire to represent their country in Test cricket. He acknowledges that franchise cricket offers a lucrative avenue for quick fame and fortune, but he remains optimistic about the enduring allure of Test cricket.

"There’s more and more franchise cricket, and more and more talk about 12-month franchise contracts, where it would potentially be like football, where you have an international window, or you need clearance from your club to go and play international sport. The traditionalist in me still hopes there is a generation of boys and girls who want to represent their country in Test cricket. But the easy money is in franchise cricket, it’s the fast track to notoriety,”  Mitchell Starc said while speaking to The Guardian.

The Aussie speedster finds immense joy in celebrating Test victories alongside his teammates, and he takes great pride in adorning the iconic Baggy Green each time he steps onto the field. 

"There’s nothing I love more in cricket than to sit back with my teammates at the end of a Test win and reflect on the success we’ve had that week. To be able to pull on the baggy green with a lot of my close mates, guys I’ve grown up in the game with,"  Starc added.

Starc has consciously chosen to distance himself from franchise cricket for a considerable period, acknowledging the substantial financial incentives associated with T20 cricket.