After more than a decade of absence, Mitchell Starc is finally set to return to the Big Bash League—but with one major caveat: Test cricket remains his top priority. The Australian pace spearhead, fresh off a grueling five-match Ashes series in England, has been cleared to play up to three BBL matches for the Sydney Sixers, plus the finals if his body holds up and national duties allow.
Mitchell Starc’s Long-Awaited BBL Return
Mitchell Starc last played in the Big Bash League during its inaugural 2012–13 season. Since then, he’s become one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket—yet his BBL appearances have remained frozen in time. Now, at 35, Starc is ready to don the Sixers’ magenta jersey again, ending an 11-year wait that fans and franchise officials have long lamented.
“It’s been on my mind for a while,” Starc told reporters in Sydney. “I love the BBL, I love playing in front of home crowds, and I’ve always wanted to give back to the league that helped launch my career. But my commitment to Australia comes first—always.”
Balancing Act: BBL vs. Test Cricket
Cricket Australia and the Sixers have agreed on a carefully managed workload plan. Starc will only feature in the BBL if:
- He fully recovers from the Ashes series
- No national red-ball camp or assignment overlaps
- Medical staff clear him for short-format intensity
This cautious approach reflects growing concerns about player burnout and the long-term health of Australia’s Test core. Starc, along with Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, has been central to calls for protecting the five-day format amid the global T20 boom.
Why Mitchell Starc Matters to the BBL
His return isn’t just nostalgic—it’s strategic. The BBL has struggled in recent seasons to compete with the IPL, SA20, and other global leagues for attention and star power. Having a genuine Australian Test legend like Starc back in the mix could reignite local interest and boost broadcast ratings.
For the Sixers, it’s a massive win. Starc’s left-arm thunderbolts and death-over expertise add serious firepower to a squad already featuring Josh Philippe and Sean Abbott.
Mitchell Starc’s BBL Availability Timeline
| Phase | Status |
|---|---|
| Post-Ashes Recovery | Ongoing (Oct 10–20, 2025) |
| BBL Regular Season (Max Appearances) | 3 matches (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026) |
| Finals Eligibility | Conditional on fitness & CA approval |
| Next Test Assignment | vs West Indies (Feb 2026) |
Fan Reaction and Legacy
Sixers fans have already started selling custom “Starc is Back” t-shirts online. Social media buzz has spiked, with #StarcReturns trending across Australia. “He’s the last true fast bowler of his generation,” said one longtime supporter. “Seeing him in BBL colors again feels like closing a loop.”
But beyond the hype, Starc’s return carries symbolic weight. In an era where players chase T20 riches, his insistence on prioritizing Test cricket—even while playing BBL—sends a powerful message about legacy, loyalty, and the soul of the game.
What’s Next?
If all goes to plan, Starc could make his BBL comeback in late December against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG—a marquee matchup under lights. But everyone, from selectors to fans, knows the arrangement is fragile. One niggle, one national call-up, and the dream could be shelved again.
For now, though, Australian cricket has something to celebrate: Mitchell Starc is coming home—not just to the SCG, but to the league that started it all.
Sources
ESPNcricinfo: Starc set to end 11-year BBL wait amid call to protect Test cricket
Cricket Australia: Starc Cleared for Limited BBL Return