Mitchell Starc opens up about retirement plans

Australia’s pacer Mitchell Starc has expressed uncertainty about his future participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) due to a hectic international schedule.

The left-arm pacer, last seen in BBL during the 2014-15 season for Sydney Sixers, has consistently prioritized national commitments over franchise cricket. Recently, he took a 10-day break during the latest BBL edition to manage workload between the home Test series against India and the ongoing Sri Lanka tour.

Looking ahead, Starc faces another packed schedule in the upcoming Australian summer. Following the Ashes, Australia is set to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in February, crucial in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking at the Australian team’s hotel in Galle, Starc admitted he remains uncertain about his BBL return.

“I don’t know, to be honest,” he said. “As long as the Australian summer is the way it is, where we have two weeks (off), not even – we had 10 days this year. If that’s how it is, probably not. If I retire from something, perhaps. Who knows?”

Despite forgoing the IPL for eight years, Starc made a comeback in the previous edition for Kolkata Knight Riders. However, his future participation in BBL remains undecided due to his focus on international commitments.

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