Mitchell Starc drops shocking retirement! IPL career over too?

Veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals, six months ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The left-arm pacer confirmed his decision to step away from the shortest format to focus on prolonging his Test and ODI career.

Starc finished his T20I career as Australia’s leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers. The left-arm pacer played 65 matches between 2012 and 2024, taking 79 wickets in the format. He played his final T20I match on June 24, 2024, against India in Gros Islet, where he conceded 45 runs in four overs.

The veteran bowler played a key role in Australia’s first men’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2021. He is expected to continue featuring in Tests, ODIs, and T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League.

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Mitchell Starc Retires from T20Is Ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Starc said that Test cricket is his priority. He stated that he loved every T20I he played for Australia, especially the T20 World Cup 2021.

"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said in a statement.

"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.

Starc began his T20I career in September 2012. He played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, taking nine wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 9.18. Australia are set to tour New Zealand for a three-match T20I series starting on October 1.

This Is My Best Way Forward to Remain Fresh - Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc said that he is targeting upcoming challenges, including an Indian Test tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also noted that stepping away from T20Is allows Australia’s bowling unit more time to prepare for the matches leading up to the next T20 World Cup.

"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," Starc said. "It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament."

Australia will host England for five matches in the Ashes series later this year. They will next play a home series against Bangladesh, followed by tours to South Africa and India, a four-match series against New Zealand, and an away Ashes in mid-2027.

Meanwhile, the 2027 ODI World Cup will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with Australia entering as the defending champions.

Mitchell Starc Should Be Incredibly Proud of His T20 Career - George Bailey

Chair of selectors George Bailey showered praise on Mitchell Starc for his contributions to Australia’s T20 side. Bailey added that the pacer remains committed to extending his Test and ODI career.

"Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. 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.

"We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly, he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible."

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