Mitchell Starc Announces Retirement From T20I Cricket To Prioritize ODIs and Tests

SportsBettingMarkets » Cric News India » Mitchell Starc Announces Retirement From T20I Cricket To Prioritize ODIs and Tests

Cric News India

September 2, 2025 0 326

Mitchell Starc Bids Goodbye To T20Is

Australia’s Mitchell Starc retired from T20 internationals to focus on Tests and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Australia have lost one of their biggest match-winners in T20 internationals as Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from the shortest format. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer, who last featured in the format during the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean, confirmed he would now focus on Tests, ODIs, and franchise leagues like the IPL.

Starc leaves as Australia’s leading wicket-taker among pacers in T20Is with 79 scalps, second only to spinner Adam Zampa’s 130. His most memorable moment came in 2021, when he played a key role in Australia’s maiden men’s T20 World Cup triumph in Dubai.

“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 the incredible group and the fun along the way. 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 in a statement.

Starc’s decision comes at a time when several senior Australian players are scaling back their white-ball commitments. David Warner has already retired from all formats, while Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis quit ODIs earlier this year. Pat Cummins, meanwhile, is managing a back issue and has been rested from the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand.

ALSO READ | “Don’t Think He Will…”: AB de Villiers Makes Shocking Jasprit Bumrah Prediction For Asia Cup 2025

Chief selector George Bailey praised Starc, saying, “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.”

While Australia will miss Starc’s raw pace and wicket-taking threat in T20Is, they hope his decision prolongs his Test and ODI career. The left-armer has already taken 400 Test wickets and remains one of the most durable fast bowlers in the modern game.