"Had to Give-up One Format": Starc Prioritises Tests and 2027 World Cup Over T20Is

Australian left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc has opened up for the first time since announcing his retirement from T20I cricket. Starc's sudden decision to step away from the format came as a major surprise ahead of the T20 World Cup.

However, Starc, who prioritizes the other two formats over T20Is, felt he had to give up one to keep himself fit for the Ashes and the ODI World Cup in 2027.

"I'd thought about it for a while. I feel like it was probably a good time. I'm 35 now. Tests have always been my priority, and they will remain my priority. For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible," Starc said. "That was never going to be off the table."

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Mitchell Starc, a T20 World Champion, acknowledged that the current Australian T20I side is in good hands and well-equipped for future success.

"The T20 team seems pretty settled with the guys that have come in; they've done some great stuff," he said. "Nathan Ellis is flying, Ben Dwarshuis has played a great role, Spencer Johnson has done some good stuff when he's played, Sean Abbott as well. I feel like that team is in a great spot, and I don't need to interrupt that."

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Looking ahead, the two-time World Cup winner has set his sights on 2027, believing he still has plenty to contribute to the ODI team.

"If I wasn't going to be in the frame for 2027, then I didn't want to hold up the spot. I still feel like I've got plenty to offer that ODI team. I just felt like one of the other formats had to give. My goal is to get my body to 2027 — and to be good enough to be in that team for the World Cup."

Mitchell Starc had a fantastic T20I career, featuring in 60 matches and taking 74 wickets with his trademark pace and accuracy. He played a vital role in helping Australia clinch their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2022.

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