Published on: Sep 2, 2025 5:36 pm IST|Updated on: Sep 2, 2025 5:42 pm IST
One of Australia’s most prolific left-arm seamers, Mitchell Starc, has decided to call it a day in T20Is to prolong his ODI and Test career. The legendary figure in Australian cricket, who recently managed to breach the 400 Test wickets mark, has his sights set on the 2027 ODI World Cup and Test cricket. The decision comes as a massive blow for Australia’s preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
“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 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. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”
“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 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. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”
Starc finishes as Australia’s second-highest wicket taker in the format, behind only Adam Zampa. The 35-year-old veteran pacer will be available for selection in the remaining two formats for Australia and will also feature in the IPL along with other domestic and franchise commitments, if opportunities arise.
Check out Mitchell Starc’s T20I career in numbers.
Starc’s spells were often match-defining, especially in ICC tournaments, where his ability to deliver under pressure stood out. He joins the list of high-profile names aging at the same time in the Australian circuit. Before Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and Steven Smith had announced their retirements from ODI cricket earlier this year in February. The 35-year-old last featured in a T20I during the 2024 T20 World Cup against India on June 24, at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.