Kolkata : Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from shortest format in international on September 2, 2025 to prioritize Australia’s hectic Test schedule and ODI World Cup 2027.
Starc, 35, has represented Australia in 65 T20Is, taking 79 wickets. He was part of Australia’s victorious T20 World Cup 2021 campaign. He last featured in the format at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean and has retired six months before the next edition in India and Sri Lanka.
“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”.
From mid-2026 Australia face a hectic run in Test cricket including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, five Tests away in India in January 2027, the one-off 150th anniversary match against England at the MCG and then an away Ashes in mid-2027.
The ODI World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will be held in October and November 2027 with Australia the defending champions.
“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.”
