Mitchell Starc Retires From T20I Cricket

Legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has drawn curtains on his International T20I career with a view to prolonging his career in Test & ODI formats of the game. The left-arm seamer hasn't played any international T20I cricket since the Men's T20 World Cup last year in the West Indies & USA. Starc announced his decision to retire with only 6 months left before the T20 World Cup in 2026 in India & Sri Lanka.

Starc finishes as Australia's second-highest wicket taker in the format, behind only Adam Zampa. In a 65-game T20I career that began in 2012 against Pakistan, Starc claimed 79 wickets at an economy of 7.74. He played in five of the six T20 World Cups played since, missing only the 2016 edition in India with an injury. He was a key figure as Australia completed their trophy cabinet by lifting the title in Dubai in 2021.

The veteran pacer hopes to continue playing in the other two international formats, the IPL, as well as other domestic games. But his retirement from the T20I format is the latest in a string of high-profile exits for Australia's ageing but golden generation. In addition to David Warner's exit from all formats last year, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have all retired from ODIs this year.

Starc On His T20I Retirement

"Test Cricket is my favorite format". Starc said in a statement. I've enjoyed my time playing in the T20I format, particularly in the 2021 T20 World Cup, not because we ended up winning the tournament, but also the fun we had playing during the tournament". Starc quipped.

"I now look forward to an away Indian test tour, the Ashes & the ODI World Cup in 2027. I feel this is the best way for me to keep myself fresh & ready for those campaigns. This also gives the time to the bowling group to prepare for the T20 World Cup."

George Bailey On Starc's Retirement

Chair of selectors George Bailey said,

"Mitchy should be extremely proud of his T20I career. He played an integral part for us in the 2021 T20 World Cup & across all his cricket, his ability to open up games in the starting phase of the game made him even more dangerous.

"We will celebrate & acknowledge his T20I career at the right time, but we're pleased that he'll be available to play for his country in tests & ODIs."