Advertisement
Advertisement
Veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has revealed he remains motivated to continue his international career for a few more years, with the 2027 ODI World Cup still firmly on his radar.
The left-arm pacer, who retired from T20 Internationals in September 2025 to prolong his red-ball and ODI career, said his passion for competition continues to drive him even after 16 years at the highest level.
Starc, currently Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 759 scalps, trails only legendary pacers Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath on the country’s all-time list.
Speaking to a foreign news agency, the 36-year-old said the competitive nature of cricket still excites him.
“I’m pretty competitive, so I just enjoy that aspect of cricket,” Starc said. “For Australia, I get to play with some of my best mates. I enjoy the hard work, but I also enjoy competing, and it’s still fun.”
The next ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027, by which time Starc will be 37 years old.
Despite dealing with recurring elbow and shoulder niggles in recent years, the experienced pacer believes his body is still coping well with the workload of international cricket.
“There’s always something going on. I’ve had a bit of a niggle with my elbow and shoulder, which is still being managed, but there’s probably a little less impact in T20 cricket,” he said.
“I’m still going okay after 16 years, and hopefully there are a couple more left.”
Mitchell Starc made his Australia debut in 2010 and remains one of the most experienced fast bowlers in world cricket.
The left-armer is currently representing the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League, where the franchise is struggling near the bottom half of the table.
While the 2027 World Cup remains a long-term target, Starc said he is avoiding strict timelines regarding retirement.
“It’s a long way down the road, but I’ll hopefully be there. The World Cup is always a goal for every cricketer,” he added.
“I’ve stepped away from T20 internationals, but I’m still enjoying my cricket. I don’t set timelines, I just see where the body is and where the cricket is.”
READ: Glenn Maxwell dropped as Australia unveil white-ball squads for Bangladesh tour
