Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket.
The Australian pacer, 35, stated that Test cricket will now be his primary focus, and he aims to give his best for the national team in the format in the coming years. While stepping away from T20Is, Starc will continue to represent Australia in ODIs and remain active in franchise T20 leagues around the world.
Mitchell Starc featured in 65 T20Is between 2012 and 2024, claiming 79 wickets at an average of 23.81 and an economy rate of 7.74. He was also a key member of Australia’s squad that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021. His decision to retire comes roughly five months ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
“Tests Have Always Been My Priority and Will Remain So”: Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc has reaffirmed that Test cricket remains his top priority, even as he continues to contribute in the ODI format. Speaking to Cricket Australia, the veteran pacer said he wants to maximize his body’s potential for Test cricket while still offering his experience to the ODI team.
“I’m 35 now. Tests have always been my priority, and they will remain so. For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible. That was never going to be off the table,” Starc explained.
Mitchell Starc also addressed his decision to step away from T20Is, noting that it was carefully considered to prolong his career in other formats. “If I wasn’t going to be in the frame for 2027, I didn’t want to hold up the spot. I still feel like I’ve got plenty to offer the ODI team. I’d thought about it for a while, and I feel it was probably the right time,” he added.
Looking ahead, Mitchell Starc is focused on the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 and sees his T20I retirement as a strategic move to extend his Test career. “I felt one of the formats had to give. I believe I can still contribute to the ODI team, with the goal of keeping my body ready for 2027 and being competitive for the World Cup. Stepping away from T20Is seemed like the best way to prolong my Test career,” he said.
Mitchell Starc will next feature in Australia’s ODI series against India in October and will play a key role in the pace attack for The Ashes 2025-26, beginning on November 21.