Mitchell Starc makes huge ODI retirement declaration after quitting T20I cricket

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has opened up about his retirement from the T20I format just six months ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The left-arm fast bowler stated that he decided to retire from T20Is to preserve his body for Test cricket, adding that he considered retiring from ODIs given his age.

Starc will continue playing Tests, ODIs, and in franchise leagues. The 35-year-old secured 79 wickets in 65 T20Is at an average of 23.8, with an economy rate of around 7.75. He was also part of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup-winning squad. Starc last played for the Australia cricket team in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

I’ve Got Plenty to Offer That ODI Team - Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc said that he considered stepping away from one limited-overs format. Starc emphasized that Test cricket remains his top priority, and he wants to preserve his body to maximize his participation and performance in the longest format.

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“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’d thought about it for a while. I feel like it was probably a good time," Mitchell Starc told cricket.com.au.

"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. That was never going to be off the table," he added.

Felt Like One of the Other Formats Had to Give - Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc stated that he still has plenty to offer Australia’s ODI squad for the 2025 ICC World Cup. The left-arm pacer added that his goal is to extend his international cricket career.

“I just felt like one of the other formats had to give. I feel like I’ve got plenty to offer the ODI team, with that goal of getting my body to 2027 – but also being good enough to be in that team for the World Cup in 2027. I felt like this was my best opportunity to prolong my Test career and get to that World Cup," Starc opined.

Starc will be 37 when the next ODI World Cup takes place. He is the fittest member of Australia’s pace attack alongside Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The pacer was part of Australia’s winning squads in the 2015 and 2023 editions.

The T20 Team Seems Pretty Settled - Mitchell Starc

The fast bowler expressed confidence in Australia’s “pretty settled” T20I pace attack. Starc stated that the squad is well-positioned and there is no need to disrupt its current balance.

“The T20 team seems pretty settled with the guys that have come in; they’ve done some great stuff," Starc said. “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."

Australia are set to tour New Zealand for a three-match T20I series starting October 1, with all games scheduled at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has returned to the 14-member squad.

Matt Short, Mitch Owen, and Xavier Bartlett have also been included. Captain Pat Cummins is unavailable due to a back issue, and Nathan Ellis is on paternity leave. The second and third T20Is are scheduled for October 3 and 4.

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