BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: Australian cricket fans were stunned today as veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc announced his immediate retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, choosing to focus on extending his illustrious career in Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer, widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest bowlers, made the decision to step away from the shortest format just six months before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, signaling a strategic shift toward major upcoming challenges, including a grueling Test schedule and the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
A Storied T20I Career
Starc’s retirement marks the end of a 13-year T20I career that began in 2012. Over 65 T20I matches, he claimed 79 wickets, making him Australia’s leading fast bowler in the format and second only to spinner Adam Zampa (130 wickets) on the all-time list. His best performance came against West Indies in 2022, where he took 4 wickets for 20 runs in Canberra. Starc’s ability to swing the new ball at high pace, particularly in the powerplay, made him a formidable force, earning him a reputation as a strike bowler capable of turning games in Australia’s favor.
A highlight of his T20I tenure was his pivotal role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE, where his new-ball prowess helped secure the nation’s first men’s T20 world title. Reflecting on his time in the format, Starc said, “I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way.”
Prioritizing Test Cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup
Starc’s decision comes as he looks to preserve his physical condition for a demanding international schedule. From mid-2026, Australia faces a packed Test calendar, including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, a challenging five-Test tour of India in January 2027, a one-off 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and an away Ashes series later that year. The 2027 ODI World Cup, where Australia are defending champions, follows in October and November, hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc emphasized in a Cricket Australia statement. “Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes, and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns.” He added that stepping away from T20Is would also allow Australia’s bowling unit to prepare thoroughly for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Starc’s ambition to compete in the 2027 ODI World Cup is particularly significant. At 38 by the tournament’s start, he aims to join Australian legends Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Glenn McGrath as a three-time ODI World Cup winner, having played key roles in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 victories. His 2023 World Cup performance, where he took crucial wickets in the final against India, underscored his enduring value in the 50-over format.
A Team-First Decision
Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, praised Starc’s T20I legacy and his selfless approach. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and, as across all his cricket, had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability,” Bailey said. “We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg echoed Bailey’s sentiments, highlighting Starc’s sacrifices for the national team. “To allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting team first,” Greenberg said. The move aligns with a broader trend among Australia’s “golden generation,” with players like David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis also scaling back white-ball commitments to prolong their careers.
Continued Presence in Domestic T20 Leagues
While Starc has retired from T20Is, he remains committed to domestic T20 competitions, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). After a nine-year hiatus, he returned to the IPL in 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders and played for Delhi Capitals in 2025, earning over A$6.5 million across the two seasons. His recent performances in the IPL demonstrate that he remains a potent force in T20 cricket, and he plans to continue participating in such leagues. This decision ensures that Starc can balance financial rewards with his international priorities, particularly in Test cricket, where he reached the milestone of 400 wickets in his 100th Test earlier this year.
Impact on Australia’s T20I Setup
Starc’s absence leaves a significant gap in Australia’s T20I attack ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His experience and firepower were vital, and selectors now face the challenge of reshaping the bowling unit. The upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting October 1, 2025, will provide opportunities for emerging bowlers like Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, and Sean Abbott to step up. Nathan Ellis, another key pacer, will miss the tour due to the birth of his first child.
Meanwhile, Starc’s long-time pace partners, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, continue to play across all formats, though Cummins has been rested recently due to lower back pain as he prepares for the Ashes series starting in November 2025. The recall of Marcus Stoinis, who retired from ODIs to focus on T20 leagues, strengthens Australia’s T20I batting options.
A Legacy of Excellence
Starc’s T20I retirement underscores his commitment to Test cricket, where he remains one of the game’s most durable and impactful performers. His ability to deliver full-length, swinging deliveries at high speed has made him a cornerstone of Australia’s bowling attack across formats. As he shifts focus to the longer formats, fans and selectors alike will watch closely to see if he can maintain his elite form through to the 2027 ODI World Cup and beyond.