Retired from T20I cricket, Mitchell Starc eyes BBL return after 11 years | Cricket News
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to make his return to the Big Bash League after an 11-year absence, joining Sydney Sixers for the 2025-26 season scheduled from December 14 to January 25. Starc, who has been signed as a supplementary player, will be available after the Ashes concludes on January 8, subject to his fitness conditions.The veteran pacer’s return to the BBL comes despite his T20I retirement, which has created a window of opportunity for him to participate in the latter half of the tournament. Starc’s previous stint with the Sixers was in the 2014 season, where he accumulated 20 wickets in 10 games across his BBL career.“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.”Starc’s history with the Sixers dates back to the inaugural BBL season, where he played six games and contributed to the team’s championship victory over Perth Scorchers. His impact extended beyond the BBL, as he emerged as the leading wicket-taker during the Sixers’ Champions League triumph in 2012.The signing arrangement falls under the BBL’s supplementary player system, which allows teams to include Cricket Australia contracted players with limited availability without occupying primary spots in their 18-man squads. Each BBL team is allocated two such supplementary positions.Sydney Sixers’ general manager Rachael Haynes expressed enthusiasm about securing Starc’s services for the upcoming season. “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,” Haynes 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.“
