news

Mitchell Starc hints retirement amid busy schedule

Starc opened up about his demanding summer schedule with the Australian team

Mitchell Starc hints retirement amid busy schedule PHOTO: X

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has hinted at his future in the Big Bash League (BBL) and retirement plans following a surprising statement about his potential return to the competition.

The 35-year-old, a key player for both Australia’s red-ball and white-ball squads, has not played in the BBL since the 2014-15 season with Sydney Sixers. While Starc has made a significant mark in the league, he has not ruled out a return, but his packed international schedule is posing a challenge.

In a recent interview, Starc opened up about his demanding summer schedule with the Australian team, revealing that he gets very little time off between duties. “I don’t know, to be honest. 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?” he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return to the BBL, Starc fondly remembered his time with Sydney Sixers, stating, “It’s hard to miss games to try and protect yourself. There’s always risk playing cricket, that’s never going to change. For me, I just want to keep enjoying playing as much cricket as I can. I really enjoy the BBL with Sydney.”

Starc's last appearance in franchise cricket came in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), after several years away from the competition.