Australian pacer Mitchell Starc retires from T20

Australian star pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from the T20 format. He made the decision to prioritise the upcoming Test schedule and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 35-year-old Starc has played 65 T20 internationals for Australia, most recently in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has taken 79 wickets in international T20s, the second-highest in Australia’s history. His career-best bowling figure came in 2022 against the West Indies, with 4 wickets for 20 runs.

Starc was also a key member of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team.

Announcing his retirement on social media, Starc wrote, “Test cricket has always been the most important format for me. But, I have enjoyed every T20 match I’ve played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup. And it wasn’t just about winning the trophy; it was about amazing teammates and unforgettable memories.”

From mid-2026, Australia will have a busy Test cricket schedule, including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, and a four-match series against New Zealand. In January 2027, Australia will play a five-match Test series in India. Later that year, a special match will be held during the Melbourne Test to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket against England.