Starc explains big retirement call, targets India tour and World Cup in 2027

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket and one-day internationals following the announcement of his retirement from Twenty20 internationals. The left-arm paceman, regarded as one of the finest of the modern era, confirmed his decision to step away from the shortest format of the game on Tuesday, 2 September, six months ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Starc last featured in T20 international cricket for Australia during the T20 World Cup clash against India in Gros Islet. He also represented Delhi Capitals in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, a year after making his long-awaited return to the tournament in India, ending a nine-year absence.

Although many believed Starc was aligning himself with the modern trend of prioritising franchise T20 cricket at the expense of the longer formats, the 35-year-old has instead underlined his focus on Test matches and ODIs in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said on Tuesday. The fast bowler played a key role in Australia reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade earlier this year.

“Looking ahead to an away tour of India, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, I feel this is the best way for me to remain fresh, fit, and at my peak for those campaigns,” he added.

Starc is targeting the rare distinction of becoming only the fourth Australian, after Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, to win three ODI World Cups. The left-armer played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphant 2015 campaign on home soil and shone once again in the 2023 World Cup, where Australia defeated India in the final.

Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, paid glowing tribute to Starc, hailing him as one of the finest performers in T20 international cricket, while welcoming his ongoing commitment to the other two formats.

“We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the appropriate time, but it is pleasing that he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible,” Bailey said.

WHAT NEXT FOR AUSTRALIA IN T20Is

Starc’s announcement coincided with Australia naming their T20I squad for a three-match series in New Zealand this October, part of their preparations for next year’s showpiece tournament.

“It also allows the bowling unit time to prepare thoroughly for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that competition,” Bailey added.

Meanwhile, Starc’s long-time pace partners, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, continue to represent Australia across all three formats. Both featured in the 2025 IPL season and will be integral to Australia’s upcoming Ashes campaign, which begins in November in Perth.

Australia have also recalled Marcus Stoinis to their T20I set-up, nine months after his retirement from ODI cricket. Stoinis had relinquished his central contract in order to focus on global T20 leagues, but his return strengthens Australia’s options ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Questions remain, however, over whether Cummins – who has been rested for next month’s series – will be part of the T20I squad in the near future.