Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is making a much-awaited return to the Big Bash League (BBL) for the 2025-26 season after a gap of 11 years. Starc decided to retire from T20Is in early 2025 to prolong his Test career and focus on preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The left-arm fast bowler represented the Sydney Sixers in six matches in the inaugural 2011–12 season, where he took 13 wickets and helped the team win the title. He also shone as the leading wicket-taker in the Champions League T20 2012–13. Starc played just four games in the next three BBL seasons until 2014–15.
Mitchell Starc is ready to return to BBL after a gap of 11 years
Mitchell Starc has been signed by the Sydney Sixers as a supplementary player. Cricket Australia allows contracted players with limited availability to join without taking up a priority position. Starc can join the Sixers after the Ashes and if the team qualifies, he can play important matches from January 8, including the final.
Starc expressed his excitement about returning to the Sydney Sixers, recalling memories of the inaugural BBL and the Champions League. The fast bowler said he has been associated with the club for the last decade and is looking forward to returning to the field this summer.
“Over the past decade, I have been close to the club and after everything has been planned, I am excited to get back on the field this summer,” Starc said.
“The Sixers are close to my heart and I have great memories of the BBL|01 and Champions League success. My aim is to help bring home another trophy for our passionate fans,” he said.
Mitchell Starc’s strike power is unmatched – General Manager Rachael Haynes
Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the club has secured Mitchell Starc for the upcoming season. He expressed confidence that his experience and leadership on and off the field will be vital to the Sixers’ goal of winning the title.
“Mitch’s strike power with both the new and the old ball is unmatched and we expect him to play a key role in driving us towards the final,” the former Australian captain said.
“Despite not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club and we expect the leadership he will play a major role on and off the field in BBL|15.”
Mitchell Starc became Australia’s second highest wicket taker.
Mitchell Starc finished his T20I career as Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format with 79 wickets in 65 matches at an economy rate of 7.74. His last appearance came in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he took five wickets in five matches.
Starc, who made his T20I debut in 2012, played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory by taking nine wickets during the tournament. His consistency made him a vital part of the team for over a decade in the shortest format.
After completing red-ball duties in the Ashes series, Starc will feature in three league matches in the upcoming Big Bash League, including high-profile clashes against the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder, which will conclude at the SCG in Sydney on September 8.
Also read: ICC launches inaugural Women’s Cricket Week to revolutionize the game amid World Cup 2025
