Australia’s veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 International cricket, just months ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Starc, 35, ends his T20I career with 79 wickets in 65 matches, making him the country’s most successful pace bowler in the format and second overall behind spinner Adam Zampa. He was also part of Australia’s historic 2021 T20 World Cup–winning squad.
Explaining his decision, Starc said Test cricket will remain his top priority, with focus now on the upcoming India Test tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup. He added that stepping aside will give younger bowlers valuable time to prepare for the next T20 World Cup.
Cricket Australia praised Starc’s “selfless” decision and confirmed that bowlers such as Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Xavier Bartlett are in line to fill the void.
His retirement follows the recent exits of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, signaling the gradual transition of Australia’s golden generation from limited-overs cricket.
