Mitchell Starc Bids Farewell to T20Is Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Australian pace ace, who spearheaded the 2021 T20 World Cup win, bows out of the shortest format with 79 wickets, choosing longevity and Test cricket as his ultimate legacy.

Canberra [Australia], September 2 – In a decision that stunned fans and teammates alike, Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s most lethal fast bowlers, has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket. The timing, months before the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026, makes the announcement even more surprising.

At 35, Starc explained that the decision stems from a desire to extend his international career and give his best to the formats he values most — Test cricket and ODIs. He admitted that his sights are firmly set on defending Australia’s crown at the 2027 ODI World Cup and playing pivotal roles in marquee Test series like the Ashes and the next tour of India.

Since making his debut in September 2012, Starc has been a mainstay of Australia’s attack, terrifying batters with his raw pace and swinging yorkers. Although he hasn’t played a T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup, his contribution to the format remains legendary.

Starc walks away as Australia’s leading T20I fast-bowling wicket-taker, with 79 wickets in 65 matches — only spinner Adam Zampa, with 130 wickets, has more. He was also a vital cog in Australia’s triumphant 2021 T20 World Cup campaign, a victory he described as one of the highlights of his career.

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said in his retirement statement. “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.”

He added:

“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. It also allows the bowling group time to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup without me.”

Chair of selectors George Bailey praised Starc’s immense impact in the shortest format:

“Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral part of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and had that rare skill of breaking games open with his wicket-taking ability.”

Bailey also hinted that there will be a time to formally celebrate Starc’s T20 legacy but expressed relief that the pacer remains committed to Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.

Starc’s announcement came as Australia named its squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand in October. His absence will be keenly felt, especially as selectors now face the daunting task of reshaping the attack before the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Compounding the challenge, Cameron Green is unavailable as he prioritises his return to bowling in Sheffield Shield cricket, while format-specialist Nathan Ellis will miss the series due to paternity leave. On the positive side, Matt Short makes his comeback after recovering from a side strain, and Marcus Stoinis also returns to the mix.

Australia’s 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, and Adam Zampa.

For Australian cricket, the end of Mitchell Starc’s T20I career is bittersweet — the loss of a match-winner in one format, but the continuation of a warrior in two others.