The Australian bowling superstar made a shock announcement ahead of the upcoming Ash Series and the T20 World Cup.
Released on September 2, 2025
Australia’s White Ball pace spearhead Mitchell Stark has retired from Twenty20 Internationals to focus on expanding his Test career and day-long cricket.
The 35-year-old left-hander retired from the 65 T20I with 79 wickets, making him second on Australia’s all-time list, just after spinner Adam Zampa.
“Test cricket has always been my number one priority,” he said in a statement from Cricket Australia on Tuesday.
“I loved every minute of every T20 game we played in Australia, especially every T20 game we played in the 2021 World Cup. This not only brought us the incredible group and fun along the way.
“We look forward to the 2027 Away India Test Tour, Ash and the ODI World Cup, which I think is the best way to stay fresh and fit and be great for those campaigns.
“It also gives bowling groups time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in matches that lead to that tournament.”
STARC was not included in the Australian T20I team released on Tuesday due to the upcoming series against New Zealand.
National Selector Chairman George Bailey and Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg paid tribute to STARC.
“Mitch should be extremely proud of his T20 career in Australia,” Bailey said.
“He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup winning side and had the incredible skills to open the game with his wicket-take ability in all his cricket.
“We acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but with delight, he continues to focus on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket as much as possible.”
Greenberg praised Starc for making “significant sacrifices” to play for his country.
“Giving the next fast bowler harvest a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting teams first,” he said.
