'It is great to give younger kids a crack' - Marcus Stoinis unfazed with not getting Cricket Australia contract

Star Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has no regrets over missing out on the Cricket Australia contract for 2024–25. However, the 34-year-old still has rock-solid plans to play for the national team beyond the T20 World Cup 2024. After his mammoth knock in the IPL 2024 against Chennai Super Kings, Stoinis opened up about his CA contract. 

The all-rounder had been tight-lipped about his contract situation, but after the CSK game, he came forward to talk about it. It is worth noting that Stoinis has been an important player for the Aussies in the middle order alongside the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Matthew Wade.

Recently, Stoinis talked about his relationship with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald and how he was happy that the younger stars were getting a chance to showcase their skills by getting a contract. 

"I've got a great relationship with the [Australia] coach [Andrew McDonald]. Me not getting a contract, I knew that a while ago. I think it is great to give younger kids a crack and let them take my spot. I'm absolutely fine with that on the contract list. But on the playing front, obviously want to make sure that I'm there and that's also why it's so lucky for us and for me particularly to have this competition [the IPL], that's why I love it so much,” Stoinis was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

Interestingly, Stoinis’ availability for the national team could also depend on his freelance schedule, and with him not seeking a state contract with Western Australia, he has not fully opted out of playing domestic cricket. Stoinis was also one of the four players who opted to go freelance instead of taking a state deal.

The star all-rounder has also been in close contact with the higher-ups in Cricket Australia, communicating promptly with McDonald and Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, about what his future with the national team could look like after the T20 World Cup 2024.