Mitchell Starc , regarded as one of Australia's finest white-ball bowlers, has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The left-arm pacer, who turns 36 in January, has opted to step away from the shortest format to prolong his career in Tests and ODIs. Starc has set his sights on key upcoming challenges, including the high-profile tour of India, the home Ashes series, and Australia's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign in South Africa.
" 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 .
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. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament .