Mitchell Starc will make a comeback to the Big Bash League (BBL) this January, ending an 11-year gap since his last full appearance. The left-arm pacer, who made his BBL debut in 2011-12, has chosen to represent the Sydney Sixers once again. Over the past decade, Starc consistently opted to focus on Australia’s Test cricket schedule rather than franchise tournaments.
With his T20I retirement earlier this year, Starc now has a rare gap in his international calendar after the fifth Ashes Test wraps up on January 8. This window allows him to play matches on January 11, 16, and 18, and possibly feature in the BBL finals if Sixers advance.
“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage,” Starc said. “An opportunity to play some BBL cricket, I’ve obviously been a part of the small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role. Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost. But post that, it’s obviously my intention to be available to play some part if called upon.”
Test Cricket Remains Starc’s Top Priority
Even with the BBL gaining commercial weight, Mitchell Starc has made his stance clear—Test cricket will always take precedence for him.
“I’m fine with BBL windows,” Starc said. “The only view I have on it is the Test cricket schedule is not to be touched. Test cricket is the pinnacle. I don’t think Test cricket should make way for T20 cricket at all. Whether it’s the BBL, the IPL, anything, the Test summer is the Test summer. I would hate to see that change for domestic cricket.
“So that is not a snipe at anyone. That’s just my opinion of Test cricket and where it sits on my priority list. Whether you move the Big Bash into a smaller window and play back-to-back, it’s T20 cricket. It’s not as physically demanding as Test cricket. I know they’ve shortened the schedule already. I think that’s been a positive impact.”
Big Boost for BBL as Starc Joins Star-Studded Line-Up
Starc’s signing comes as a major lift for BBL 2025, which is shaping up to be one of the league’s most high-profile seasons. The competition is set to feature Ravichandran Ashwin, David Warner, Steve Smith, and possibly Babar Azam, depending on PCB’s NOC situation.
The January 16 clash between Sixers and Thunder at the SCG could see these stars in action together, creating a blockbuster fixture.
Head of the BBL Alistair Dobson expressed his excitement about Starc’s return: “To have Mitch signing off for Sixers it just shows that it’s still a comp that everyone wants to play in,” he said.
BBL Scheduling and Privatisation Still Under Discussion
Although Starc will be available this season, future participation remains uncertain. Australia will play a Test series in India in January 2027, and Starc has already stated that he plans to continue international cricket until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The BBL has not yet established a clear window for Test stars, a topic closely watched by potential investors as Cricket Australia explores private investment options for the tournament.
“Global scheduling is a really challenging topic,” Dobson said. “It’s only getting more complicated. And the ability, not only for the BBL to grow, but the Australian team to continue to play great cricket around the world, is really important. How you combine all those things is part art, part science and a little bit of luck probably along the way. So the future FTP is a little way away, but as we look at the future of the BBL it will be part of those discussions.”
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