Sept 2, 2025: Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals to focus on Australia's demanding Test calendar and ensure he is in peak condition for the 2027 men's ODI World Cup. The 35-year-old made the decision just six months before the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He has not played in the format since the last one in the USA and West Indies. Starc bows out as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, behind only Adam Zampa. He took 79 wickets at an economy rate of 7.74 in 65 matches, beginning in 2012 against Pakistan. He played in five of the six T20 World Cups, missing only the 2016 edition through injury, and was a pivotal figure in Australia's title-winning campaign in Dubai in 2021.
Starc stated, "Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority." "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 because of the incredible group and the fun along the way.
"I believe this is my best course of action in order to remain fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns, which include an ODI World Cup, an Ashes, and an away Indian Test tour in 2027. Additionally, it gives the bowling team time to practice for the upcoming T20 World Cup matches." From mid-2026 on, Australia's schedule leaves little room for respite. Before traveling to India for a five-match tour in January 2027, the Test team will play a home match against Bangladesh, travel to South Africa, and play a four-match series in New Zealand. After that, there will be a one-time 150th anniversary Test at the MCG against England, followed by an away Ashes campaign in the middle of 2027. Later that year, Australia will defend their ODI World Cup crown in a tournament staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
In the shortest possible form, George Bailey, chair of the selectors, praised Starc's service. "Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia," Bailey said. "He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and, as across all his cricket, had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability. We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible."
The naming of Australia's squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand in October came at the same time as Starc's announcement. All-rounder Cameron Green has been rested to play Sheffield Shield cricket for Western Australia, while Nathan Ellis has withdrawn to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
Matt Short, having recovered from a side strain, returns to the squad along with Mitchell Owen, who has overcome a concussion. Marcus Stoinis, who missed the recent series against West Indies and South Africa, is also back in contention after reaching an agreement with selectors regarding his availability.