Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to make his return to the Big Bash League for the first time in 11 years. The news was confirmed early Thursday.
He last played in the league during the 2014/15 season, before taking a long hiatus due to international commitments.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
The left-arm pacer has previously been among the two supplementary players contracted with the Sydney Sixers in the last two seasons. However, he did not make any appearances, but that will change in the upcoming season.
Mitchell Starc to make Sydney Sixers comeback in BBL 15
On Thursday morning, it was made official that the 35-year-old had once again signed as a supplementary player. This time, he will also feature in the playing XI for the Magentas from Sydney, following his retirement from T20 internationals.
"I can't wait to pull on the Sixers' fresh magenta playing shirt in BBL 15. Over the past decade, I've stayed close to the club and, all things going to plan, am excited to get back on the field this summer," Starc said through a statement.
READ MORE: Shami on India selection snub: 'Fitness fine, selection not in my hands'
"The Sixers are close to my heart, and I have great memories of our BBL 01 and Champions League success. My goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans," he added
The Sixers will begin their campaign on December 14 with the tournament opener against the Perth Scorchers. Still, Starc will only be available from January 8 onwards, subject to fitness, at the end of the Ashes series.
If everything goes as planned, Starc could play for them on January 11 against the Hobart Hurricanes, and the subsequent league games and potentially playoffs will follow.
During his stint, he will also play alongside Steve Smith, the former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, and Sam Curran.
What is Mitchell Starc's record for the Sydney Sixers?
Starc only played for the Sixers in 10 matches over four seasons from 2011 to 2015. During this span, he took 20 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 14.85 and a strike rate of 11.2.
READ MORE: When will India travel to Australia for white-ball series?
He was instrumental in their success during the 2012 Champions League T20 winning campaign, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with 14 wickets in 6 matches.
| Competition | Matches | Wickets | Avg/SR | Economy rate | Best Figures | 5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bash | 10 | 20 | 14.85/11.2 | 7.92 | 3/17 | 0 |
| CLT20 | 6 | 14 | 12.35/10.2 | 7.20 | 3/19 | 0 |
Sixers squad for BBL 15:
Sean Abbott, Babar Azam (Pakistan), Jafer Chohan (England), Sam Curran (England), Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith. Marquee supplementary list: Mitchell Starc
Uncontracted: Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Hanno Jacobs, Kurtis Patterson
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 odds, winners list, favourites to win, schedule and results
- ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final qualification scenarios: Rules, chances and points required for progressing from group stage
- How to bet online on cricket in India and the most trusted site
- All the latest cricket news
- All betting tips and predictions