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More than a BBL return: Why Starc’s Sydney deal might pave the way for a T20I comeback

Abhinav Tyagi

Mitchell Starc for Delhi Capitals - (Source: AFP)Mitchell Starc for Delhi Capitals - (Source: AFP)

On Thursday, October 9, Mitchell Starc took the cricket world by storm after Australia's premier fast bowler announced his return to the BBL. The left-arm seamer ended his 11-year-long absence as Starc has signed a deal with the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League.

Starc, who last played in the BBL for the Sixers in BBL 2014, will return to Australia's premier T20 league despite announcing T20I retirement. It was the morning of September 2, when Starc announced hanging up his boots from the shortest format of the game. Thus, his return speaks a lot more than just playing the BBL.

Not a big fan of T20 leagues, prioritises international cricket

It is worth noting that in a world where players are quitting international duties to play franchise cricket, Mitchell Starc is absolutely opposite. In his career, Starc has always prioritised international cricket, which reflects in his fewer appearances in T20 cricket.

Talking about the biggest league in the world, Starc has played just 52 matches in IPL, and made his return to the league for the first time since 2015 in 2024 with KKR. The move was also inspired by the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA, which prompted Starc to return to the domestic league.

Further, Starc looks to avoid T20 leagues as much as possible and also refused to return for the remainder of IPL 2025 for the Delhi Capitals during a war-like situation with Pakistan.

Thus, in the present times, his return to the Sydney Sixers without any promptness is to benefit international cricket. Although it looks like the return speaks a lot than what is currently being talked about. 

Pat Cummins' replacement for the T20 World Cup

At the moment, Pat Cummins is nursing a Bumrah-like back injury, where he is reported to miss the opening Test of the Ashes, starting late November. The report also added that Cummins might miss the entire five Tests that end in January 2026.

Thus, if Cummins is unavailable till January 2026, then the T20 World Cup isn't far away, as India and Sri Lanka are all set to host the upcoming edition from February 7. It looks difficult at the moment for the right-arm seamer to feature for Australia in the T20 World Cup, and it will be a big setback if he misses.

It looks like Cricket Australia are also prepared for Cummins' long absence, and it seems that they are looking at Starc to come out of retirement and play the World Cup for them. The Men in Yellow have several budding bowlers in the form of Xavier Bartlett, but the team would look to travel to India with two senior members of the golden trio. 

Thus, Starc is expected to return, and a comeback in the BBL could just be the beginning of it. BBL will help Starc return to the T20I set-up and serve as a practice ground, as Starc has no commitment from the fifth Test since IPL 2026.

Positive sign for Delhi Capitals

Talking about IPL, there is always a question mark on Starc's availability for the next season as the left-arm seamer isn't much interested in T20 leagues. However, his return to the BBL is a great sign for the Delhi Capitals, as it also means that Starc might be available for IPL 2026 as well, and the Capitals look to retain him as they already lack quality seamers and Starc did wonders for the Capitals in IPL 2025 before his suspension.

Starc was part of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 and returned for IPL 2025 to prepare for T20 World Cup 2026. But his retirement would certainly have had DC owners sweat in panic, but they can now be all relaxed after his return to the BBL.