Australian fast bowler Starc says he is ready to resume IPL journey in 2024

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc is eyeing a return to the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League after an eight-year absence from the lucrative Twenty20 tournament. The left-armer last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2015 competition but has skipped the IPL in recent years to lighten his playing load and focus on national team duties.Starc said the IPL would be good preparation for the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies. "Look it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back in (next) year,” the 33-year-old told the ‘Willow Talk’ podcast. "Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup."And it’s somewhat of a quiet winter next year ... in comparison to this winter, so I think a perfect opportunity to put my name in.”Starc is currently sidelined with a groin strain while the Australia team warm up for the 50-overs World Cup with a one-day series in South Africa. However, he has been named in Australia’s provisional 15-man squad for the tournament in India starting next month.Meanwhile, Starc has reaffirmed his desire to reach the 100-Test milestone, conceding he was "closer to the end” of his career, having played 82 Tests since his debut in December 2011."To choose not to do certain things to prolong playing for Australia, I’ve tried to be smart about that,” Starc told cricket.com.au ahead of this year’s Ashes series."Yeah, the money’s nice, but I’d love to play 100 Test matches. Whether I get there or not, I don’t know, but that would be a nice one to tick off. Hopefully there’s a little bit left in me.”Starc, now 33, elaborated that he was "not one for setting numbers, goals or personal goals or what I want to achieve this year”."It took me a long time to feel like I was good enough Test cricket,” he said. "So I want to really give that the biggest crack I’ve got. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed white-ball cricket and that’s probably where I got my main opportunities in as well. I’d like to be good enough to get to 100 Tests. Not just get to 100, I’d like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests.According to Australia’s future tours program, Starc, who has played 82 Tests, could reach the 100-Test milestone during the 2025-26 home Ashes series at the earliest.