September 3, 2025

Brace yourselves, cricket lovers! Mitchell Starc, Australia's star left-arm fast bowler and king of white-ball cricket, has announced his retirement from T20 internationals. At 35, Starc wants to save his best energy for the longer formats — Tests and ODIs — to stretch his playing days and shine bright on big stages ahead. "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 in a heartfelt statement. Starc's T20I journey is nothing short of legendary. With 79 wickets, he stands tall as Australia’s leading male pacer wicket-taker in T20Is, just behind spinner Adam Zampa. His crowning glory? Playing a crucial role in Australia’s first-ever men’s T20 World Cup win in 2021 — a triumph packed with thrilling cricket and unforgettable team spirit. "Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc declared, showing where his heart truly lies. "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 the incredible group and the fun along the way." Starc also shared a clever thought: stepping away now helps the bowling group prep better for the upcoming T20 World Cup. "It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament," he explained. This retirement is a big moment because Australia’s T20 squad, led by Mitch Marsh, needed Starc’s fiery pace for the big T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February. But the cricketing star looks ahead with focus, ready to battle in the Test arena and the ODI format. From his T20I debut in 2012, Starc quickly became one of the fastest, fiercest bowlers in the game. His skill to shake things up with quick wickets was unmatched. George Bailey, Australia’s chief selector, hailed Starc’s incredible journey: "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." Bailey promised that Starc’s T20 achievements will be celebrated properly soon and showed excitement that Starc will keep rocking in Tests and ODIs for as long as he can. So here’s to Mitchell Starc — a true cricket warrior who’s turning a new page, leaving fans eager to witness his fiery spells in the Test and ODI battles ahead!

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Tags: Mitchell starc, T20 international, Retirement, Australia cricket, 2027 odi world cup, Ashes,