Mitchell Starc signs contract with T20 franchise ahead of Ashes 2025-26 series

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc is making a much-anticipated return to the Big Bash League (BBL) for the 2025-26 season after an 11-year hiatus. Starc made the decision after his retirement from T20Is earlier in 2025, a move to focus on prolonging his Test career and preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The left-arm pacer represented Sydney Sixers in six matches in the inaugural season in 2011-12, where he took 13 wickets and helped the team win the title. He also shone in the Champions League T20 2012-13 as the highest wicket-taker. Starc played just four games in the next three BBL seasons till 2014-15.

Mitchell Starc Set for BBL Comeback After 11-Year Hiatus

Mitchell Starc has been signed by the Sydney Sixers as a supplementary player. Cricket Australia allows contracted players with limited availability to join without taking a primary spot. Starc could join the Sixers after the Ashes and may play key matches from January 8, including the finals if the team qualifies.

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Starc expressed excitement about returning to the Sydney Sixers, recalling memories from the inaugural BBL and the Champions League. The pacer said that he has remained connected to the club over the past decade and looks forward to getting back on the field this summer.

"Over the past decade, I've stayed close to the club and, all things going to plan, am excited to get back on the field this summer," Starc said.

"The Sixers are close to my heart, and I have great memories of our BBL|01 and Champions League success. My goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans," he added.

Mitchell Starc's Strike Power Is Unmatched - General Manager Rachael Haynes

Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said that the club secured Mitchell Starc for the upcoming season. She expressed confidence that his experience and leadership will be crucial on and off the field as the Sixers aim for the title.

"Mitch's strike power with both the new and old ball is unmatched, and we hope he will play a vital role in our push towards the finals," the former Australian captain said.

"Even when not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club and we look forward to that leadership playing a major role on and off field in BBL|15."

Mitchell Starc Finished as Australia's Second-Highest Wicket-Taker

Mitchell Starc finished his T20I career as Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format with 79 scalps from 65 matches at an economy rate of 7.74. His final appearance came in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he claimed five wickets in five games.

Starc, who made his T20I debut in 2012, played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, picking up nine wickets during the tournament. His consistency made him a vital part of the side for over a decade in the shortest format.

Starc will feature in the upcoming Big Bash League in up to three league matches, including high-profile clashes against Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder, after completing red-ball duties in the Ashes series, which concludes on September 8 at the SCG in Sydney.

Also read: ICC launches inaugural Women’s Cricket Week to revolutionize the game amid World Cup 2025