IPL 2017: Royal Challengers Bangalore part ways with Mitchell Starc

Bengaluru, Feb 19: IPL side Royal Challenger Bangalore have officially parted ways with Australian fast bowler Mitchell starc on the eve of the IPL 2017 auction.

Guide to IPL 2017 Players Auction; Full Schedule Of IPL 2017; IPL 2017: Full list of players retained by all 8 teams

The official Twitter handle of Indian Premier League confirmed the news which read, "RCB, Mitchell Starc discontinue their association ahead of 2017 season". [IPL 2017: Full list of players released]

An official statement from BCCI suggested: "The Royal Challengers Bangalore and fast bowler Mitchell Starc have mutually decided to discontinue their association ahead of the upcoming season of VIVO Indian Premier League 2017 in accordance with Regulation 41 of the IPL Player Regulations.

"The Bangalore franchise will go into tomorrow's VIVO IPL Player Auction 2017 with an additional purse of INR 5 Crore and an additional slot for the overseas player."

Mitchell Starc had missed out on playing for RCB last season due to injury. He was a part of their squad for the last three seasons.

Playing two seasons for the Bengaluru-based franchise, Starc had picked up 34 wickets in 27 matches.

The Australian seamer will not be available for the upcoming IPL 2017 season and thus his name has been removed from the list of IPL auction which will happen tomorrow, February 20.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Pat Howard confirmed the news saying: "Mitch has had a very big summer, bowling a high number of balls, and has managed extremely well considering the less than ideal preparation he had leading into the season with his left leg injury.

"He still has a large workload to get through in the next six months with four Tests against India and then the ICC Champions Trophy after the player leave period in May.

"Following discussions with both Mitch, Royal Challengers Bangalore and our own medical staff it has been agreed that Mitch would benefit considerably from a break in cricket to allow him to fully rehabilitate and strengthen his body ahead of the Champions Trophy."

On parting ways with RCB Starc said: "At this point in time after a long summer and with a big tour of India still ahead I think it is in my best interests, both physically and mentally, for me to have a break, spend time with my family and take the opportunity to work on getting back to full fitness.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Bangalore and I certainly hope to be back playing for them in the future and wish them all the best in this year's IPL,"

Mitchell Starc is currently in India with the Australian side who are on tour for a 4-match test series starting from February 23.

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