Mitchell Starc Retires from T20Is to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup
Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has officially retired from T20 internationals to focus on Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup. The veteran fast bowler believes stepping away from the shortest format will keep him fresh for the packed red-ball calendar and another shot at World Cup glory.
10:12 AM Sep 02, 2025 IST
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Aakash Khuman
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has decided to hang up his boots in T20 internationals. The 35-year-old confirmed that he wants to focus on Australia’s packed Test cricket calendar from 2026 and prepare himself for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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Stellar T20I Career
Starc featured in 65 T20Is, taking 79 wickets – the second-highest for Australia in this format. His standout spell of 4/20 came against West Indies in 2022. He was also a key figure in Australia’s victorious 2021 T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE.
Test Cricket Priority
“For me, Test cricket has always been the ultimate format,” Starc said. He expressed how special the 2021 World Cup win was but admitted that the longer format has always been his biggest motivation.
Busy Test Schedule Ahead
From mid-2026, Australia will face a grueling run of Test series, including Bangladesh at home, South Africa away, New Zealand, India in early 2027, and then a historic 150th-anniversary Test against England at the MCG, followed by the Ashes in mid-2027.
ODI World Cup Focus
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With Australia defending their title, Starc wants to stay fresh and fit for the big tournaments, while also giving other bowlers the chance to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Selectors Praise Starc
Chairman of selectors George Bailey lauded Starc’s contribution, calling him a match-winner. “Mitch was pivotal in our 2021 World Cup win and had the rare ability to change games with his wickets,” Bailey said. He confirmed Starc will continue playing ODIs and Tests.
New T20I Squad Named
Starc’s announcement came alongside Australia’s new T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand in October. Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, with notable inclusions like Marcus Stoinis returning and Matt Short back from injury. Cameron Green, however, will miss the series to play Sheffield Shield cricket.
Australia T20I Squad vs New Zealand
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
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