Australia’s frontline fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20Is in a strategic move to be at his best for the upcoming Ashes, IPL, Test series in India and the ODI World Cup.
Known for his lethal pace, sharp swing, deadly yorkers and fearsome bouncers, Starc has bid adieu to the T20 International format with 79 wickets in 65 matches, making him the second most successful Australian bowler in the format after Adam Zampa (130 wickets from 103 matches).
"I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup. 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," he said. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India early next year.
This implies that the 35-year-old will be in much better shape as he gears up for an intense international schedule over the next two years, including the Test series in India next year. Starc wants to maintain peak physical fitness for all the marquee events lined up.
One of the modern game’s most formidable fast bowlers, Starc has always been in great demand in the IPL. The left-arm pacer was sold for a record price of Rs 24.75 crore in IPL 2024 and was instrumental in KKR’s title triumph. Recognising his ability to singlehandedly turn the game around in high-pressure situations, Delhi Capitals spent Rs 11.75 crore to bring him for IPL 2025. Starc was among the few overseas players who decided against returning to India after the India-Pakistan border conflict.
Starc's announcement came on Tuesday morning as Australia named the squad for their series in New Zealand in October as a build-up to T20 World Cup. He is now aiming for the rare distinction of becoming only the fourth Australian after Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath to win three ODI World Cups.
Australian chief of selectors George Bailey paid glowing tributes to Starc for his contribution to T20I cricket for Australia. “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.
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