Legendary fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, bringing an end to a decorated 12-year career in the shortest format. The 35-year-old, who last played T20I cricket at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean, has decided to step away just six months before the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka. Well, it isn’t a shocking decision, considering that Starc has always prioritised the longer formats for his nation.
Starc said the decision was made to allow him to prioritise Test and ODI cricket during the final years of his career. “Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” he said in a statement to Cricket Australia. “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.”
Aussie pacer with most T20I wickets – Starc
Starc retires as Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in men’s T20Is, with 79 scalps from 65 matches at an economy rate of 7.74. Only spinner Adam Zampa has taken more, with 130. His best figures of 4 for 20 came against West Indies in 2022. Among pacers, Starc was the leader.
Since his debut against Pakistan in 2012, Starc became a mainstay of Australia’s T20I side, featuring in five of the six T20 World Cups played during his career. His most memorable contribution came in 2021 when he was a vital part of the squad that lifted the trophy in Dubai. He took 9 wickets in that tournament.
Chair of selectors George Bailey praised Starc’s impact on the format. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. 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,” Bailey said.
Starc now a certainity for ODI World Cup 2027?
Starc will now concentrate on Australia’s heavy Test schedule from late 2026, which includes series against South Africa, New Zealand and a five-Test tour of India in early 2027, followed by the Ashes in England later that year. The 2027 ODI World Cup in Southern Africa is also under Starc’s priority. That means that the biggest cricket tournament could have the opportunity to put a lid on many superstars’ ODI careers. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are eyeing to play the tournament as well.
“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.”
Most T20I wickets for Australia
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets | BBI | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Zampa | 2016-2025 | 103 | 130 | 5/19 | 21.11 | 7.34 | 17.25 |
| Mitchell Starc | 2012-2024 | 65 | 79 | 4/20 | 23.81 | 7.74 | 18.45 |
| Josh Hazlewood | 2013-2025 | 55 | 73 | 4/12 | 21.83 | 7.60 | 17.23 |
| Pat Cummins | 2011-2024 | 57 | 66 | 3/15 | 23.57 | 7.44 | 19.00 |
| Ashton Agar | 2016-2024 | 49 | 49 | 6/30 | 23.04 | 6.50 | 21.26 |
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