Mitchell Starc Set for BBL Comeback After 11 Years, But Urges Protection of Test Cricket

11 Oct, 2025 | 04:21 PM

Mitchell Starc is set to make a long-awaited return to the Big Bash League (BBL) in January 2026, signing with the Sydney Sixers for the first time in over a decade. However, while excited to don the magenta once again, the veteran quick has strongly urged Cricket Australia not to compromise the Australian Test summer in any future scheduling changes to accommodate the BBL.

Starc, who last played in the BBL in 2014, has been absent from the competition for 11 seasons, focusing on his international commitments. But with his T20I retirement earlier this year and no international cricket scheduled between the final Ashes Test on January 8 and the IPL, Starc is expected to be available for up to three BBL games — on January 11, 16, and 18 — as well as the finals, if the Sixers qualify.

“I've got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage,” Starc said. “An opportunity to play some BBL cricket — it's nice to return to potentially a playing role. Obviously, we've got the five Test matches to focus on first, but post that, it's my intention to be available if called upon.”

Test Cricket Must Remain Priority, Says Starc

Despite his BBL return, Starc was firm in his stance that the Test summer must remain untouched, especially as Cricket Australia and league organisers explore privatisation and scheduling reforms.

“I'm fine with BBL windows. The only view I have is that the Test schedule is not to be touched,” he said. “Test cricket is the pinnacle. It shouldn’t make way for T20 cricket, whether it's BBL, IPL, or anything else.”

Starc acknowledged that T20s are less physically demanding than Tests and supported the move to a shorter BBL season, but cautioned against further encroachment into the traditional Test calendar.

“Whether you move the Big Bash into a smaller window or play back-to-back, it’s T20 cricket. I know they’ve shortened the schedule already, and I think that’s been a positive impact.”

Blockbuster January Clash in the Works

Starc’s return is a major boost for the BBL, which is gearing up for what could be one of its most high-profile seasons yet. The January 16 clash between the Sixers and Sydney Thunder at the SCG is shaping up to be a marquee fixture, with the potential to feature Starc, David Warner, Steven Smith, R Ashwin, and Babar Azam (pending NOC clearance from PCB).

Ashwin is confirmed to play the full season for Sydney Thunder, while Warner and Smith are also expected to participate in select matches. Starc’s involvement could mark the first time such elite international stars face off in a BBL game.

“To have Mitch signing off for the Sixers just shows that it’s still a comp everyone wants to play in,” said BBL head Alistair Dobson.

Starc’s BBL Future Still Limited

While fans may be thrilled to see Starc in BBL action again, the opportunity could be short-lived. Australia are scheduled to tour India for a Test series in January 2027, and Starc has declared his intention to continue representing Australia until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

This underscores the ongoing challenge the BBL faces in securing availability of Australia’s top Test players — a key point in discussions around future private investment and long-term planning.

“Global scheduling is a really challenging topic,” Dobson said. “How you combine everything — BBL growth, international cricket, and player workload — is part art, part science, and probably a bit of luck.”

Starc’s BBL History

Debut season: 2011-12
BBL matches played: 10
Last BBL match: December 2014
BBL title: Won inaugural title with Sixers in 2011-12
International career: 87 Tests, 121 ODIs, 58 T20Is
Retired from T20Is: 2025

As the BBL continues its evolution amid rising global competition and commercial interest, the return of a marquee star like Starc — coupled with his unwavering defence of the Test format — reflects both the excitement and complexity of navigating modern cricket’s crowded landscape.