Australian pacer Mitchell Starc revealed why he didn’t put his name in for the upcoming IPL 2022 mega auction. Starc last played in IPL in 2015 edition.

A total of 1,214 players have registered themselves for the IPL 2022 auction, among which 896 are Indians and 318 are overseas players. The event will take place in Bangalore on February 12 and 13.

However, Mitchell’s Starc’s name was missing from the list which raised a few eyebrows as the pacer had himself hinted that he will put his name for the IPL 2022 auction. 

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In an interaction on ESPNCricinfo, Mitchell Starc talked about his decision to not put his name for the IPL 2022 auction.

He said that it was a click of the button away from him but he didn’t want to spend 22 more weeks in bio-bubble and he needed some time to refresh his body and prioritise games for Australia. 

"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,"Mitchell Starc said. 

Mitchell Starc said that at some stage, he’d love to go back to IPL but being a multi-format player he wants to play as much as he can for Australia. He took that decision to spend time with his family in those eight weeks outside of the cricket bubble. 

"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 said. 

Apart from IPL 2016, where he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Starc was also picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2018 auction but he had to miss out on the tournament due to a leg injury.

(EPSNCricinfo inputs)