Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 international cricket to focus on his career in the longer formats of the game. The 35-year-old left-armer's decision, announced Tuesday, comes as he prepares for a busy international schedule over the next two years.
Starc, who took 79 wickets in 65 T20 internationals, will prioritize Test and ODI cricket. He said his retirement from the shortest format is the "best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best" for upcoming campaigns. These include the Ashes series, a Test tour of India, and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His decision also gives the Australian bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for early next year. Starc was a crucial member of Australia's side that won the T20 World Cup in 2021, and he is the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia in the format.
Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, praised Starc for his T20 career. "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. He also noted that Starc remains focused on playing Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg supported Starc's choice, calling it an example of the bowler putting the team first. "It's important to Mitch at this stage of his career to make decisions which allow him to extend his Test and ODI journeys," Greenberg said. Starc was not included in the T20 squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand, with Pat Cummins also rested due to a back injury.