Mitchell Starc Announces T20I Retirement to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup

Mitchell Starc Announces T20I Retirement to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup

Mitchell Starc has officially announced his retirement from T20 Internationals, choosing to focus on Australia's upcoming Test commitments and the 2027 ODI World Cup campaign.

The 35-year-old left-arm pacer ends his T20I career with 65 appearances and 79 wickets, ranking him second on Australia’s all-time list. He was a key figure in Australia's victorious 2021 T20 World Cup squad and last played in the format during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

"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 because of the incredible group and the fun along the way."

Australia is set for a demanding run of Test cricket beginning mid-2026, including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-Test series against New Zealand, and a blockbuster five-Test tour of India in early 2027. That will be followed by a 150th-anniversary Test against England at the MCG and an away Ashes series in mid-2027.

The ODI World Cup, set to take place across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October-November 2027, remains a major target for Starc.

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

Chair of Selectors George Bailey praised Starc’s contribution to Australian T20 cricket.

“Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability,” Bailey said. “We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but it’s pleasing that he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”

Australia Announce T20I Squad for New Zealand Series

Starc’s retirement coincided with the announcement of Australia’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand in October.

All-rounder Cameron Green will miss the series to play in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia, a move that may see him return to bowling. Nathan Ellis will also sit out the tour as he and his wife Connie prepare for the birth of their first child.

Matt Short makes his return from a side injury that ruled him out of the recent series against West Indies and South Africa. Mitchell Owen also returns after recovering from a concussion sustained last month in Darwin. Marcus Stoinis, who had been absent for the last two T20I series, is back in the squad following his stint in The Hundred and an agreement with selectors over his availability.

Australia 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, Adam Zampa.

Key Stats – Mitchell Starc in T20Is:

  • Matches: 65

  • Wickets: 79 (2nd highest for Australia)

  • Best Figures: 4/20 vs West Indies, 2022

  • T20 World Cups Played: 3 (2014, 2021, 2024)

  • T20 World Cup Winner: 2021

Starc now shifts his focus to red-ball and 50-over formats, aiming to lead Australia’s pace attack through one of the most challenging periods in the international cricket calendar.