Australia’s star pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from international Twenty20 cricket. He said he has made the decision to prioritize the upcoming Test schedule and the 2027 ODI World Cup. The 35-year-old Starc has played 65 T20 matches for Australia so far. He last played in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Starc was a member of Australia’s 2021 World Twenty20 winning team. He took 79 wickets in T20Is, the second-highest in Australia’s history. His career-best figures were 4 for 20 against the West Indies in 2022.
Starc announced his retirement on social media, writing, “Test cricket has always been the most important thing to me. I have enjoyed every T20I match I have played for Australia. Especially the 2021 World Cup. And it was not just about winning the title, but also about the amazing teammates and the great memories.”
Australia will have a busy Test cricket schedule from mid-2026. These include a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, followed by five Tests in India in January 2027, and a special Test against England in Melbourne to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.
There is an Ashes series in mid-2027. The ODI World Cup will also be held in the same year. Stating this, Starc said after retiring, “I think this is the best decision for me to keep myself fit and in top form with the Test series, Ashes and ODI World Cup in India in 2027. At the same time, it will give our bowling group ample preparation before the T20 World Cup.”
FAQ
What has Mitchell Starc announced recently?
Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from international T20 cricket to focus on Test matches and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
How many T20 matches did Starc play for Australia?
Starc played 65 T20 Internationals, taking 79 wickets, the second-highest for Australia in T20 history.
What are some highlights of Starc’s T20 career?
Starc was part of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team and recorded career-best figures of 4 for 20 against West Indies in 2022.
Why is Starc retiring from T20 cricket?
He wants to prioritize Test cricket, the upcoming Ashes series, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, ensuring fitness and top form.
What is Australia’s upcoming Test schedule?
From mid-2026, Australia will play home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, four Tests against New Zealand, five Tests in India, and a special Test against England in Melbourne.
