SYDNEY: Legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc on Tuesday announced his retirement from international T20 cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career in the shortest format of the game. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer represented Australia in 65 T20Is between 2012 and 2024, picking up 79 wickets, the highest by any Australian fast bowler in the format and second overall behind spinner Adam Zampa. Starc last played a T20I in June 2024 during the World Cup clash against India at Gros Islet, where he went wicketless while conceding 45 runs. A vital part of Australia’s 2021 World Cup-winning campaign, he earned a reputation for his wicket-taking ability and match-turning spells.
According to Cricket Australia, Starc has decided to step away from T20Is to prolong his Test career and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. “Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said in a statement. “I’ve loved every minute of my T20 career, especially the 2021 World Cup, but looking ahead to tours of India, the Ashes and the 2027 ODI World Cup, I feel this is the best way forward to stay fresh and perform at my best. This also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the next T20 World Cup.”
Over the years, Starc has delivered memorable performances in T20Is, with standout spells against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, where he consistently picked wickets at crucial junctures. His best bowling figures of 4/20 came against the West Indies. Chief selector George Bailey praised Starc’s contribution, calling him an integral part of the 2021 World Cup-winning team and hailing his knack for breaking games open with the ball. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career. We will celebrate his achievements at the right time, but the pleasing part is that he remains focused on continuing in Tests and ODIs for as long as possible,” Bailey said.
Starc, who will continue to feature in Test cricket, ODIs and franchise leagues including the IPL, leaves behind a strong legacy in T20Is while looking forward to extending his impact in the game’s longer formats.
