Mitchell Starc has officially announced his retirement from T20I cricket.
The Australian fast bowler revealed that he forgot to personally inform T20I captain Mitchell Marsh about his decision. Instead, Marsh learned about Starc’s retirement through Instagram.
Mitchell Starc ended his T20I career on September 2. The left-arm pacer represented Australia in 65 T20Is between 2012 and 2024, taking 79 wickets at an economy rate of 7.74. He was also a key member of the Australian squad that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021.
While Mitchell Starc will continue participating in franchise T20 leagues, he will now shift his focus to Test matches and ODIs, with his eyes set on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.
“I probably should have called Mitchell Marsh”: Mitchell Starc
“I did let them know, but I didn’t ask them. I spoke to Ronnie [Andrew McDonald] and then told the two of them that I was done. That was about it. I probably should have rang Mitchy [Mitchell Marsh],” Starc said.
He added, “I felt bad because he texted me saying he found out through Instagram. So, I definitely felt bad about that. Sorry, Mitchy—didn’t tell the captain.”
Mitchell Starc also explained that his decision to step away from the T20I format was driven by his desire to focus on the ODI team.
“I umm-ed and ahh-ed over which format to step away from. If I wasn’t going to be in contention for 2027, I didn’t want to block the spot. I still feel like I have plenty to offer the ODI team,” he said.
Mitchell Starc played his last T20I in June last year against India during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The 35-year-old is set to return for Australia’s ODI series against India in October.