Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has officially announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, citing a desire to prolong his career in the longer formats of the game. The 35-year-old explained that his decision was made to ensure he didn’t hold a spot in the T20I squad that could be filled by a younger player ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
In an interview with cricket.com.au, Starc revealed that his primary focus remains on Test cricket, with the upcoming Ashes series a major goal. He also confirmed that he is aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, believing he still has plenty to offer in the 50-over format.
“I umm-ed and ahh-ed about which was the right format to put aside,” Starc said. “If I wasn’t going to be in the frame for 2027, then I didn’t want to hold up the spot. I still feel like I’ve got plenty to offer that ODI team… I’m 35 now, Tests have always been my priority and they will remain my priority. For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible.”
Starc, who has always been a highly sought-after player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), didn’t rule out the possibility of returning to the tournament next year. “That was never going to be off the table,” he said. “I just felt like one of the other formats had to give.”
He praised the current depth of the Australian T20I team, noting that it is in a strong position. “The T20 team seems pretty settled with the guys that have come in; they’ve done some great stuff,” Starc stated. “Nathan Ellis is flying, Ben Dwarshuis has played a great role, Spencer Johnson has done some good stuff when he’s played, Sean Abbott as well. I feel like that team is in a great spot and I don’t need to interrupt that.”
Starc emphasized that his decision was a strategic one to prolong his career. “I feel like I’ve got plenty to offer the ODI team, with that goal of getting my body to 2027… I felt like this was my best opportunity to prolong my Test career and get to that World Cup.”
Mitchell Starc Retires From T20Is, Prioritizes Test And ODI Cricket
