Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is to focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup, ending career as second-highest wicket-taker

New Delhi (India) September 2: Mitchell Starc has declared his intention to retire from Twenty20 internationals. This in order to concentrate on Australia's tough Test schedule. He wants to make sure that he is healthy enough for the men's ODI World Cup in 2027.

Starc confirms T20I retirement ahead of 2026 World Cup

The 35-year-old made the decision barely six months before the tournament's next edition in India and Sri Lanka. He has not played in the format since the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

Starc leaves as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 Internationals. He is only behind Adam Zampa. He took 79 wickets at an economy rate of 7.74 over his 65-match career.

Starc says, “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 because of 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. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”

Bailey says Starc should be proud of his T20 career

Chair selector George Bailey appreciates Starc's career. He says, "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. We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”

Starc was a key player in Australia's 2021 title-winning campaign in Dubai. He participated in five of the six T20 World Cups. He just missed just the 2016 one due to injury.

Starc's Glorious Career

Starc participated in five ICC T20 internationals after making his debut in the format in 2012. He was one of the most feared bowlers in international cricket. He is known for his ability to swing the new ball quickly.

His exit comes as senior Australian players are increasingly leaving white-ball games. David Warner announced his retirement from all international cricket last year. Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis bid farewell to One-Day Internationals. 

Greenberg says Starc is making the right call for his future

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg says “It’s important to Mitch at this time of his career to make decisions which allow him to extend his Test and ODI careers as long as possible, which we fully support.” 

Starc is still dedicated to domestic T20 leagues even though he has stepped back from T20 internationals. He just made his comeback to the IPL.