Key points
- Starc prioritises Test and ODI formats
- Won 2021 T20 World Cup with Australia
- Second-highest T20I wicket-taker for Australia
ISLAMABAD: Prolific Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc announced his immediate retirement from T20 international cricket on Tuesday, saying he wanted to focus on his Test and ODI career.
Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from international T20s: https://t.co/ftVAx6Oh4X pic.twitter.com/RdOmoWveSh
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 2, 2025
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” the 35-year-old said in a statement, ruling himself out of the T20 World Cup in February-March, according to AFP.
“I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup,” he added.
Starc, who played 65 matches for his country in the shortest format, was part of the Australia side that lifted the world title that year.
His 79 wickets in T20Is make him the second-highest for Australia after Adam Zampa.
Busy schedule
Starc steps away with a busy schedule to come, including a home Ashes series starting later this year and a one-day World Cup on the horizon.
“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,” said Starc.
🚨 MITCHELL STARC HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT FROM T20I 🚨
– He will focus on Tests & ODIs, Thank you Cricket Icon. pic.twitter.com/UUc0S5iceC
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 2, 2025
“It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament,” he added.
His announcement came as Australia named their squad for an upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.
Devastating opening spell
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said “to allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting team first”.
“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,” he added.
Chose to serve country in odi and tests in the era when people prioritize t20is , absolutely 🐐
Happy Retirement From T20i , Mitchell Starc ⚡ pic.twitter.com/nKiGXpfyTm
— innings ➊➑➌ (@183innings2012) September 2, 2025
In July, Starc produced a devastating opening spell as the West Indies were demolished for 27, the second-lowest score in Test history.
Wicket-taking ability
Starc also reached the landmark of 400 Test wickets.
“Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia,” chair of selectors George Bailey said.
Breaking : Mitchell Starc retires from the T20Is !!!!!
Thank you Starcy . !!! pic.twitter.com/oGIMdLNmsz
— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) September 2, 2025
“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,” Bailey said.
Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from international T20s.#starc #MitchellStarc #T20 pic.twitter.com/6H3rBZu5Y0
— S@urabh (@___100rabh) September 2, 2025
“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,” he added, reports Al Jazeera.
