Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers, has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket as of September 2, 2025, to focus on prolonging his career in Tests and ODIs. Starc’s decision, made just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup, is aimed at staying fresh for Australia’s upcoming Test assignments and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Starc’s Remarkable T20I Journey
T20I Record: Starc played 65 T20Is, collecting 79 wickets, making him Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, just behind spinner Adam Zampa.
Legacy: Starc was a game-changer in Australia’s historic 2021 T20 World Cup triumph and became renowned for delivering under pressure, especially in ICC events.
Bowling Numbers: He finishes with an average of 23.81, economy of 7.74, and a strike rate of 18.46, consistently breaking games open in crunch situations.
Why Did Starc Retire from T20Is?
Starc emphasized that Test cricket has always been his highest priority. He wishes to remain at his peak for key upcoming campaigns, particularly Australia’s away Test tour to India, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
By stepping away now, Starc provides Australia’s next generation of white-ball fast bowlers—like Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Xavier Bartlett—opportunities to establish themselves in the T20I setup ahead of the World Cup.
Selectors and Team Reaction
Chief selector George Bailey and Cricket Australia praised Starc’s T20 contributions, hailing him as a match-winner and crediting his crucial role in major victories.
Starc will continue to compete in global T20 leagues but has set his sights on being in peak form for the 2027 ODI World Cup and pivotal Test series.
What’s Next for Starc and Australia?
Australia’s packed Test and ODI schedule from 2026 onward includes home series against Bangladesh, tours to South Africa and New Zealand, a blockbuster Indian series in early 2027, the 150th-anniversary England Test at the MCG, and the 2027 ODI World Cup in southern Africa.
The upcoming T20I series against New Zealand in October will see fresh faces as Starc steps aside, providing bench strength a platform to shine.
