LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: Mitchell Starc of Australia looks on during the ICC Champions trophy cricket match between Australia and Bangladesh at The Oval in London on June 5, 2017 (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Australian fast-bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from this year's Men's Hundred, with the highly-anticipated player draft scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Starc's absence is somewhat surprising, as the 33-year-old was initially slated to join fellow Australians Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis in securing big paydays on Thursday.
The New South Welshman, who is currently with Australia's ODI team that just secured a 2-1 series victory against India, will soon turn his attention to the upcoming Ashes series against England, which is set to wrap up just before the Men's Hundred commences.
After successful seasons for the Hundred franchise in 2021 and 2022, the 2023 edition of the 100-ball competition is set to commence in August, with games set to take place across major cities in England and Wales.
Starc's wife, Alyssa Healy, plays for the Northern Superchargers, however, they did not have availability for Starc in the hefty 125,000-pound price bracket.
The Superchargers were also said to have interest in Starc prior to last year's draft, however, he pulled out of those proceedings beforehand as well.
A host of international talent is set to be available for the 30 Men's contracts on offer, including Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and must-watch West Indian Kieron Pollard.