Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20I cricket to prolong ODI and test careers

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :September 2, 2025 at 12:09 PM

Modified at :September 2, 2025 at 12:09 PM

Mitchell Starc at ICC T20 World Cup 2024

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Mitchell Starc played 65 T20Is for Australia.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, on Tuesday, 2nd September, announced his retirement from T20I cricket. The right-arm pacer will be now available for test cricket, ODIs and domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League.

Notably, Starc has not played any T20I for Australia since the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The left-arm pacer played 65 T20Is for Australia and clinched 79 wickets at an average of 23.81 and an economy of 7.74.

He played a vital role in helping Australia win ICC T20 World Cup 2021, taking nine wickets in seven games. The 35-year-old made his T20I debut in 2012 in a clash against Pakistan. He retired as Australia’s second highest wicket-taker in T20Is after Adam Zampa, who has 130 wickets to his name.

Mitchell Starc Australia test — Mitchell Starc. (Photo by Morgan Hancock – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

I have loved every minute of every T20I game: Mitchell Starc

While announcing his retirement from T20I cricket, Starc explained why he gave up the shortest format of the game. He then went on to add that he looks forward to play in ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. 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,” he said.

“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. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament,” he added.

Meanwhile, Starc was last seen in Australian colours during their away test series against the West Indies in June-July. With 15 wickets in three games, he finished as the team’s highest wicket-taker in the series.

How many T20Is did Mitchell Starc play for Australia?

Mitchell Starc played 65 T20Is for Australia and picked 79 wickets.

When did Mitchell Starc play his last T20I for Australia?

Mitchell Starc’s last T20I game for Australia came against India in ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

When did Mitchell Starc announce his retirement from T20I cricket?

Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20I cricket on September 2, 2025.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.