Starc addresses his 2019 IPL plans

Pace ace Mitchell Starc is unlikely to feature in next year's Indian Premier League after he was released by his club Kolkata Knight Riders via text message

Starc was picked up by KKR in last year's IPL auction for a whopping $1.8 million but missed the 2018 season with a leg injury sustained at the back end of the infamous South Africa Test tour.

The left-armer will miss out on another lucrative pay day unless he nominates for next season's auction that is set to be staged next month, reportedly December 16 in Goa.

But it's more likely Starc will forgo the IPL to rest up ahead of a grueling winter of cricket in the UK where the World Cup and Ashes will be played back to back over a six-month period.

"I got a text message two days ago from the owners of Kolkata saying I've been released from my contract," Starc told reporters in Sydney. 

"At the moment I'll be home in April.

"I obviously didn't go last year with my tibia injury and it was a great opportunity to freshen the body up, let everything heal by itself.

"I guess barring a little niggle in my hammy I've felt pretty good with my body and my strength and the rest of it.

"That little period of time has really paid off for the body. If I don't play the IPL next year it's a good opportunity to freshen up for a massive six months of cricket in the UK."

The reason behind KKR's de-listing of Starc is thought to be because of the uncertainty around the quick's availability.

With the World Cup a major focus for Australia, Cricket Australia is expected to limit how much its players will feature in the tournament with an eye to keep them fresh for the 50-over showpiece event.

Due to the tight window between the end of the IPL and the World Cup, it's understood the Board of Control for Cricket in India is trying to push the start of the IPL as forward as possible.

That would mean a start in mid-March as opposed to the traditional season launch in April, with a finish around mid-May. The first match of the World Cup takes place on May 30 in London.

It's believed IPL owners have until tomorrow to tell their players if they intend to keep or release them for the upcoming season, with a host of Australians set to be impacted.

Allrounder Marcus Stoinis is likely to play some part in the IPL after he was traded from Kings XI Punjab to Royal Challengers last month.