Australia have lost their most successful T20 fast bowler as Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20 internationals. The left-arm pacer has decided to step away from the shortest format to extend his Test career and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The 35-year-old last played a T20I during the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean and will continue to be available for Tests, ODIs, and domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League.
Starc finishes as Australia’s leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in T20Is with 79 wickets. Only spinner Adam Zampa has more with 130. His most memorable moment in the format came during the 2021 T20 World Cup when Australia claimed their first title in the tournament’s history.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said in a statement. “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 because of the incredible group and the fun along the way. 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’s decision comes as another blow to the Australian T20 side ahead of the upcoming World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February. It continues a trend among senior Australian players moving away from white-ball formats. David Warner retired from all formats last year, while Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have stepped away from ODIs this year.
Despite the shift, many players continue to feature in domestic T20 leagues worldwide. Starc himself stayed away from the IPL during the prime of his career to focus on international cricket, only returning in recent years where he earned over A$6.5 million across the last two seasons. His performances in Tests have remained strong, highlighted by reaching 400 wickets earlier this year in his 100th match.
Selector George Bailey praised Starc’s contribution to T20 cricket. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup winning side and had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability,” Bailey said.
Starc made his T20I debut in 2012 and featured in five of Australia’s last six ICC T20 events, missing only the 2016 edition due to injury. His new-ball spells were key to Australia’s title run in 2021, where they defeated New Zealand in the final in Dubai.
The decision opens the door for Starc to aim for a third ODI World Cup title in 2027, joining legends like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Glenn McGrath. By then, he will be close to 38, and selectors will need to assess his fitness and form.
Australia’s immediate focus shifts to next month’s T20 series against New Zealand, where they will also be without Pat Cummins due to a back injury. This absence leaves the pace attack without its two most experienced bowlers. Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Lance Morris are among the options to fill the gap in the lead-up to the World Cup.