Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is, says 'this is my best way forward'

Australia’s leading white-ball pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, choosing to concentrate on prolonging his career in Tests and ODIs. The 35-year-old, who last featured in a T20I during last year’s World Cup in the Caribbean, will continue to be available for Tests, ODIs, and domestic T20 competitions such as the Indian Premier League.

"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.

The left-arm bowler ended his T20I career as Australia’s leading men’s wicket-taker among pacers, with 79 scalps to his name - second only to spinner Adam Zampa’s 130. His standout moment in the format came at the 2021 World Cup, where he played a key role in Australia’s maiden men’s T20 triumph.


"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said.

"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."


Starc explained that stepping away from T20Is now would benefit the team in the long run, saying, "It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament."

Starc’s retirement, the latest in a series of high-profile white-ball exits by Australian stars, comes as a significant setback to the Mitch Marsh-led squad’s ambitions of clinching the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled for February in India and Sri Lanka.

Starc, who debuted in T20Is in 2012 after already representing Australia in Tests and ODIs, quickly rose to prominence as one of the format’s most fearsome fast bowlers.

Reacting on Starc's retirement, chief selector George Bailey said in a statement, "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 as long as possible," Bailey added.