Mitchell Starc Calls Time on T20I Career to Focus on Test Cricket and 2027 ODI World Cup
Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, ending a successful 12-year career in the format to prioritize Test cricket and extend his longevity in the longer formats of the game.
The 35-year-old left-armer, who played 65 T20Is and claimed 79 wickets, confirmed his decision on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is to focus on Tests, 2027 ODI World Cup | ESPNcricinfo. The announcement comes as Australia prepares for a demanding international schedule over the next two years, including crucial Test series and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
A Strategic Decision for Longevity
"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said in a statement ESPNcricinfoIndia TV News. The veteran pacer's decision reflects a calculated move to manage his workload as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
"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" Mitchell Starc announces T20I retirement, sets sight on 2027 ODI World Cup participation | Cricket News – India TV, Starc explained. The decision also provides opportunities for Australia's emerging pace bowlers to establish themselves ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
A Decorated T20I Career
Starc retires as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, with his 79 wickets placing him behind only leg-spinner Adam Zampa Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is to focus on Tests, 2027 ODI World Cup | ESPNcricinfo. His best figures of 4/20 came against the West Indies in 2022, showcasing his ability to devastate batting lineups with his express pace and lethal yorkers.
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The highlight of his T20I career came during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, where he played a pivotal role in Australia's maiden T20 World Cup triumph Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is to focus on Tests, 2027 ODI World Cup | ESPNcricinfo. His ability to strike early and deliver under pressure in death overs proved instrumental throughout that campaign.
Starc's final appearance in the format came at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, with his last match against India in the Super Eight stage ESPNcricinfoIndia TV News. Despite conceding 29 runs in an over to Rohit Sharma in that match, Starc's overall contribution to Australian cricket in the shortest format remains substantial.
Part of a Broader Trend
Starc's retirement from T20Is follows a pattern among Australia's senior cricketers stepping back from white-ball formats. Over the past year, David Warner has retired from international cricket entirely, while Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have all stepped away from ODIs. Test captain Pat Cummins has also scaled back his white-ball involvement, missing the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
This transition reflects Cricket Australia's management of their pace bowling resources, particularly with Cummins experiencing lower back pain and needing to prepare for the Ashes series against England starting in November Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is to extend his Test, ODI cricket career - The Tribune.
Recognition from Cricket Australia
Australian chief selector George Bailey praised Starc's contribution to the national team. "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" India TV NewsThe Tribune, Bailey said.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Greenberg acknowledged Starc's sacrifice, noting that his decision to step aside demonstrates his team-first mentality and commitment to Australian cricket's future success.
Looking Ahead
While Starc's international T20 career has ended, he's expected to continue participating in franchise T20 leagues, particularly the Indian Premier League where he has represented Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, and most recently Delhi Capitals in 2025.
His immediate focus now shifts to Test cricket, with Australia facing a packed schedule including:
- The upcoming Ashes series in November 2025
- A challenging tour of India in January 2027
- The 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG
- The 2027 ODI World Cup
Legacy in Numbers
Starc's T20I statistics tell the story of a bowler who consistently delivered when it mattered:
- Matches: 65
- Wickets: 79 (2nd highest for Australia)
- Best Bowling: 4/20 vs West Indies (2022)
- World Cup Titles: 1 (2021)
- Fastest Ball: 160.4 km/h (in Test cricket)
Mitchell Starc's retirement from T20Is marks the end of an era for Australian cricket in the shortest format. However, it also signals his determination to extend his influence in Test and ODI cricket, where his pace, swing, and experience remain invaluable assets.
As Australian cricket continues its generational transition, Starc's decision exemplifies the strategic thinking required to balance immediate success with long-term sustainability.
For Australian fans, while they'll miss seeing Starc in the green and gold T20I jersey, they can look forward to his continued presence in the Test arena where his commitment remains unwavering. His focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup suggests that at 37, he still believes he has plenty to offer Australian cricket in the formats that matter most to him.
