Mitchell Starc retires from T20 Internationals as he wishes to focus on Test Cricket and 2027 ODI World Cup.
In order to focus on Australia’s demanding Test schedule starting late next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup, Mitchell Starc has declared his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals.
After making his debut in 2012, Starc, now 35, played 65 Twenty20 Internationals and was a member of the Australian team that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Six months ahead of the upcoming tournament in India and Sri Lanka, he withdrew from the format after making his final appearance in the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean. He now ranks second for Australia with 79 T20I wickets, with his best 4 for 20 against the West Indies in 2022.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” 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.”
A home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, five Test matches away in India in January 2027, the one-off 150th anniversary match against England at the MCG, and an away Ashes in mid-2027 are all on Australia’s schedule starting in mid-2026.
In October and November of 2027, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the ODI World Cup, with Australia serving as the reigning champion.
“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,” Starc said. “It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”