After T20I retirement, Mitchell Starc reunites with his first BBL franchise

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Australian speedster Mitchell Starc is officially returning to the Big Bash League (BBL) for its 14th season, reuniting with his original franchise, Sydney Sixers, after more than a decade. The announcement marks one of the most exciting developments ahead of BBL 15, as Starc rejoins the team where his T20 journey began.

Starc last featured for the Sydney Sixers in 2014, but his connection with the club runs deep. He was instrumental in helping the Sixers win the inaugural BBL title in 2011-12 and the Champions League T20 that followed. His comeback is expected to significantly strengthen the Sixers’ bowling attack and inject fresh excitement into the tournament.

Sixers’ general manager Rachael Haynes expressed delight over the signing, saying, “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.”

Starc’s return comes shortly after he retired from T20 internationals, allowing him to focus on Test cricket while freeing up his schedule for domestic competitions. The move opens a long-awaited opportunity for the left-arm pacer to rejoin the BBL, a league he has only briefly featured in despite his global T20 stardom.

Starc is set to join the Sixers after the Ashes series, which concludes on January 8, 2026, with his participation subject to fitness. Under the BBL supplementary player policy, he is expected to play in the final stages of the season, including the playoffs, where his experience could prove decisive.

The Sixers have already assembled a powerhouse squad featuring Steve Smith, Babar Azam and Sam Curran, making them one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming season. Starc’s addition brings both depth and leadership to their bowling unit, potentially giving them the edge in crunch moments.

Reflecting on his return, Starc said, “I can’t wait to pull on the Sixers’ magenta shirt again. This club is close to my heart, and my goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans.”

Also READ: 3 reasons why Mitchell Starc retiring from T20Is is a right move

The BBL 2025-26 season kicks off on December 14 and runs through to January 25, 2026. With Starc’s comeback, the Sixers not only gain a world-class bowler but also a crowd-puller whose presence promises to reignite fan enthusiasm and bolster viewership for the tournament.

As Starc prepares to light up the BBL after 11 years, his reunion with the Sixers symbolizes both nostalgia and a new beginning – offering fans the perfect blend of experience, passion and power in Australia’s premier T20 league.

Also READ: Mitchell Starc returns to ODIs as Australia name white-ball squads for India series