'Didn't want to spend 22 more weeks in a bubble' - Mitchell Starc names reason behind pulling out of IPL auction

Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has revealed that he didn't want to spend 22 more weeks in a bio-bubble as the reason behind him pulling out of the Indian Premier League mega auction. Starc had hinted that he wants to play in the upcoming season of the IPL. However, after a while, he opted not to put his name on the player auction list.

The left-arm quick has played in the IPL in 2014 and 2015 for Royal Challengers Bangalore and has picked 34 wickets averaging 20.38 and a strike rate of 17.06. His economy rate was 7.17. Since then, he hasn't played in the league to keep himself fresh for international cricket.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old has revealed that he was just one click away from entering into the IPL mega auctions but decided against it. He added that he wanted to keep his body fresh.

"I was a click of the button away from entering the auctions but personally didn't want to spend 22 more weeks in a bubble, needed some time to refresh the body, and for me, that's prioritizing Aussie games," Starc was quoted as saying by EspnCricinfo.

Pulling out of IPL gives me time to spend with my family: Mitchell Starc

The New South Wales-born pacer has further added that pulling out of the IPL gives him time to spend with his family. He also said that there will be a time where he would love to go back to the league.

"There'll be a time where I'd love to go back to the IPL but in terms of wanting to play as much as I can for Australia, a multi-format player as well, that's a decision I've taken and that gives me an opportunity to spend time with Alyssa and family in those eight weeks outside of a cricket bubble," he added.