Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has lost a lucrative Indian Premier League contract.

Starc played for the Kolkata Knight Riders, but has been deemed surplus to requirement for next year’s tournament.

The end of the relationship could simplify or complicate Starc’s 2019, which will bring an Ashes and World Cup campaign for Australia.

‘I got a text message two days ago from the owners of Kolkata saying I’ve been released from my contract, so at the moment I’ll be home in April,’ said Starc.

‘It’s an interesting one. As far as I’m aware everyone’s on one year at the moment with Cricket Australia. It’s a bit of a changing time with people at CA and that’s a better question for those behind the scenes with CA with what they want to do with contracting.

‘For us we’re not so worried about contracts at the moment, it’s about performing on the field and that will take care of the rest of it come contract time whenever that is.

‘I’m sure it would provide security for a lot of people, it’s probably no different to working life outside of the sporting field. When you look at some of the dollars involved in the IPL and some for the T20 leagues around the world, for guys who might be on the fringe or what to concentrate on T20 cricket, it’s very beneficial to play.

‘At the moment for me I just want to play as much Test and one-day cricket as I can, and the IPL is a lovely bonus on the pay packet, but if I miss that to play more Test matches, I’m taking that option.’