Australia's star pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from international T20s. He said he has made the decision to prioritize the upcoming Test schedule and the 2027 ODI World Cup. The 35-year-old Starc has played 65 T20 matches for Australia so far. He last played in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Starc was a member of Australia's 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team. He has taken 79 wickets in international T20s, the second highest in Australia's history. His career-best bowling figures of 4 wickets for 20 runs against the West Indies in 2022.

Starc wrote on social media announcing his retirement, "Test cricket has always been the most important to me. I have enjoyed every T20 match I have played for Australia. Especially the 2021 World Cup. And I enjoyed it not only because I won the title, but also because of the great teammates and great memories.’

Australia will spend a busy time in Test cricket from mid-2026. This includes a series against Bangladesh at home, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand. Then in January 2027, Australia will play five Tests in India, and a special Test against England in Melbourne to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.

There is an Ashes series in mid-2027. The ODI World Cup will also be held that year. Stating this, Starc said after retiring, ‘I think it is the best decision for me to keep myself fit and in the best possible rhythm with the Test series, Ashes and ODI World Cup in India in 2027. At the same time, it will give our bowling group ample preparation before the T20 World Cup.’