Mitchell Starc, the Australian cricket star, has decided to retire from T20 International cricket to focus on Australia’s busy Test cricket schedule starting late next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 35, Starc played 65 T20Is and was part of the Australian team that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. His last T20I appearance was at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean. With 79 wickets, he ranks second among Australia’s T20I bowlers, with his best performance being 4 wickets for 20 runs against West Indies in 2022.
“Test cricket has always been my top priority,” Starc said. “I enjoyed every moment of playing T20s for Australia, especially winning the 2021 World Cup. It wasn’t just the victory but the great team and the fun we had.” Starting mid-2026, Australia faces a packed Test schedule, including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, five Tests in India in January 2027, a special 150th anniversary match against England at the MCG, and an away Ashes series later that year. The ODI World Cup, where Australia are the defending champions, will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027.
Starc explained, “With the India Test tour, the Ashes, and the ODI World Cup in 2027, stepping away from T20Is is the best way for me to stay fresh and perform at my peak. It also gives our bowlers time to prepare for the next T20 World Cup.” George Bailey, the chair of selectors, praised Starc’s contribution, saying, “Mitch should be very proud of his T20 career. He played a key role in our 2021 World Cup win and had a knack for turning games with his bowling. We’ll celebrate his T20 achievements later, but it’s great to see him committed to Test and ODI cricket for years to come.”
Starc’s retirement comes as Australia announce their T20I squad for a three-match series against New Zealand in early October. Cameron Green will skip the series to play in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia, where he may resume bowling.