Retired from T20Is to prolong Test career, Mitchell Starc signs deal for BBL return after 11 years

Australia’s premier left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc retired from T20Is months ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 to prolong his Test career and aim to play in the ODI World Cup 2027. Just over a month later, Starc has announced his return to the Big Bash League (BBL) after a long absence of 11 years.

Starc will play for Sydney Sixers in the upcoming BBL season. He is their marquee supplementary pick of the season.

"I can't wait to pull on the Sixers' fresh magenta playing shirt in BBL|15," Starc said in a statement. "Over the past decade I've stayed close to the club and, all things going to plan, am excited to get back on the field this summer.

"The Sixers are close to my heart, and I have great memories of our BBL|01 and Champions League success. My goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans."

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Starc’s numbers in Sydney Sixers’ triumphant seasons

In 2011-12, the inaugural BBL season, he was part of Sydney Sixers' title win. He took 13 wickets from just six games at an average of 13.43. In now-defunct Champions League T20 2012-13, he played a crucial role in their title win as well. He took 14 wickets from six games at an average of 12.35. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the season.

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How many games will Starc play in BBL 2025-26?

Starc retired from T20Is as their highest wicket-taker in the format with 79 scalps. For the upcoming BBL season, he will be available for only a few games. The fifth and last Test of the Ashes 2025 will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4.

He is likely to play in three league stage games for Sydney Sixers and further if they qualify. In their home against Hobart Hurricanes on January 11, Starc is likely to feature in the playing eleven. He will also go up against Sydney Thunder, featuring star India player Ravichandran Ashwin on January 16.

Starc to be a leader on and off the field

Sydney Sixers' general manager Rachael Haynes is excited to have Starc back in the side not just a player but as a part of their leadership group as well.

"Mitch's strike power with both the new and old ball is unmatched, and we hope he will play a vital role in our push towards the finals," the former Australian captain said.

"Even when not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club and we look forward to that leadership playing a major role on and off field in BBL|15."

Sydney Sixers squad for BBL 2025-26

Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith.

Marquee supplementary list: Mitchell Starc
Ins: Lachlan Shaw, Kane Richardson.
Uncontracted: Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Hanno Jacobs, Kurtis Patterson.