Mitchell Starc Retires from T20 Internationals to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup

Melbourne, Sep 2025 : Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has officially announced his retirement from T20 internationals, bringing down the curtain on a decade-long career in the shortest format. The 35-year-old speedster said the decision was driven by his desire to prolong his Test career and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Starc, who last featured in a T20 international during the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean, confirmed that he will continue playing Test and ODI cricket, along with domestic franchise leagues such as the Indian Premier League.

Over the course of his T20I career, Starc represented Australia in 65 matches, claiming 79 wickets at an average of 23.81 and an economy rate of 7.74. Among Australian fast bowlers, he retires as the leading wicket-taker in the format, with only leg-spinner Adam Zampa (130) ahead of him overall.

Reflecting on his journey, Starc said Test cricket had always been his top priority. “I have loved every T20 game I played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won the title but also because of the incredible group of players and the fun we had together,” he said in his statement.

Looking to the future, Starc explained that stepping away from international T20s would help him manage his workload better. “With an away Test tour of India, another Ashes series, and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, I believe this is the best way for me to stay fresh, fit, and at my best. It also provides the bowling group enough time to prepare for the T20 World Cup through the lead-up matches,” he added.

Starc’s T20 international debut came in 2012, and he quickly established himself as a match-winner with the ball. His crowning achievement in the format arrived at the 2021 World Cup, when Australia lifted their maiden men’s T20 title. Across five ICC tournaments in the format, he was only absent once, missing the 2016 edition in India due to injury.

Tributes poured in following his announcement. National chief selector George Bailey praised Starc’s contributions, calling him an “integral member” of the 2021 World Cup-winning squad. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. His ability to break games open with wicket-taking spells was a hallmark of his contribution across formats. While we will celebrate his T20 journey in due course, it is encouraging that he remains committed to Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible,” Bailey said.

Starc’s announcement coincided with Australia’s squad announcement for the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand in October. The side will be without regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury, while Nathan Ellis will also miss the series due to paternity leave.

The squad does, however, see the return of several players. Matt Short, who missed the recent series against West Indies and South Africa with a side strain, makes his comeback. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis is also set for his first international appearance since late 2024, having missed Australia’s 5-0 sweep of West Indies and their 2-1 victory over South Africa earlier this year. Mitchell Owen also returns after concussion ruled him out of the final T20 and subsequent ODI matches against the Proteas.

Australia’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Matt Kuhnemann.