Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has decided to stop playing T20 International (T20I) cricket.

He wants to concentrate on Test cricket and the big One-Day International (ODI) World Cup in 2027.

Starc, 35, played 65 T20I matches since 2012. He helped Australia win the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.

His last T20 game was at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean. Starc took 79 wickets in T20Is, the second most for Australia.

Starc said, “Test cricket has always been my top priority. I loved playing T20s, especially the 2021 World Cup, but now I want to focus on the important Test matches and the 2027 ODI World Cup.”

Australia has many big Test matches coming up from 2026, including tours to South Africa, India, and the Ashes series against England.

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The 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and Australia will defend their title.

Selectors say Starc’s pace and skill will be hard to replace in T20s. But players like Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis are stepping up to fill his role.

Starc will still play Tests and ODIs, which is good news for Australia.

Australia’s next T20I squad will play New Zealand in October without Starc. Other players like Marcus Stoinis and Matt Short have also returned to the team.

Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20Is is a big moment for Australian cricket. It shows how important the Test format and the upcoming ODI World Cup are for top players.

Starc’s decision helps him stay fresh and focus on longer formats where his skills make a huge impact.

While his T20 departure leaves a gap, Australia’s new players are ready to take on bigger roles. This shift could also give younger bowlers more chances to prove themselves.

Overall, Starc’s move is about smart career management and setting up Australia for success in the future.