Mitchell Starc set to return to the Big Bash League after 11 years

Mitchell Starc has been signed by Sydney Sixers for Big Bash League 2025-26.

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc is set to return to the Big Bash League (BBL) after a long gap of 11 years. However, he has clarified that any changes to the tournament schedule should not come at the expense of test cricket. The right-arm pacer has been signed by Sydney Sixers for BBL 2025-26, and he will play for the side in the latter half of the tournament in January after the Ashes 2025-26.

Starc played six games for Sydney Sixers in the first edition of the BBL in 2011-12. He played four more games in the next three editions till the 2014-15 season. Over the years, he has prioritised playing for the Australian Cricket Team in international cricket. However, after announcing his retirement from T20I cricket this year, Starc will have no commitments with Australia after the completion of the Ashes 2025-26 on January 8.

Hence, he will be available for the three BBL games on January 11, 16, and 18 and also the BBL finals if Sydney Sixers qualify. His availability for the BBL will also depend on how he has recovered physically after the five-match test series against England.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, the 35-year-old pacer said that he looks forward to playing in the BBL. However, he also added that his priority will be test cricket.

“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage. An opportunity to play some BBL cricket, I’ve obviously been a part of the small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role,” he said.

“Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost. But post that, it’s obviously my intention to be available to play some part if called upon,” he added.

The veteran pacer also added that he doesn’t want his test schedule to be affected by BBL games.

“I’m fine with BBL windows. The only view I have on it is the Test cricket schedule is not to be touched. Test cricket is the pinnacle. I don’t think Test cricket should make way for T20 cricket at all. Whether it’s the BBL, the IPL, anything, the Test summer is the Test summer. I would hate to see that change for domestic cricket,” he said.

Meanwhile, Big Bash League 2025-26 will be played from December 14, 2025 to January 25, 2026. The Ashes 2025-26 will commence on November 21 in Perth with the first test and conclude on January 8 with the fifth test in Sydney. Starc is currently pulling up his socks for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, scheduled to take place from October 19 to 25.

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