In Starc’s absence, selectors on Tuesday named a squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Across 65 T20 Internationals, Starc claimed 79 wickets, placing him second on Australia’s all-time list behind Adam Zampa and highlighting his key role in the national setup.
Starc said: “Test cricket has always been my top priority.
I have cherished every T20 game I’ve played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup not just for the victory, but for the incredible team spirit and the fun along the way.
“Looking ahead to the away tour of India, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, this decision allows me to stay fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the lead-up matches.”
Chair of national selectors George Bailey commented, “Mitch should be extremely proud of his T20 career with Australia.
He was a vital part of the 2021 World Cup-winning squad and, across formats, has had an exceptional talent for changing games with his wicket-taking ability.”
“We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for a long as possible.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Starc’s T20 career and decision to focus on Test and ODI cricket for the foreseeable future.
“It’s important to Mitch at this time of his career to make decisions which allow him to extend his Test and ODI careers as long as possible, which we fully support,” he said.
“Mitch has prioritised playing for his country and made significant sacrifices.
To allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting team first.”
The New Zealand squad includes left-armer Ben Dwarshuis, a standout against South Africa, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.
Nathan Ellis misses the tour for the birth of his and wife Connie’s first child.
Mitch Owen returns from being concussed in the second game against South Africa, with Matt Short named to return from a side strain.
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad.
Pat Cummins will miss the series as part of his ongoing management plan leading into the summer.
Cummins was rested from the recent T20 series against the West Indies and South Africa.
Despite this planned de-load period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour.
Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months.
Cummins won’t be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and will continue his rehabilitation plan with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation.
Australian T20 Squad:
Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers/Fremantle Cricket Club) (c)
Sean Abbott (Sydney Sixers/Parramatta District Cricket Club)
Xavier Bartlett (Brisbane Heat/Gold Coast Cricket Club)
Tim David (Hobart Hurricanes/Claremont-Nedlands Cricket Club)
Ben Dwarshuis (Sydney Sixers/Sutherland Cricket Club)
Josh Hazlewood (Sydney Sixers/ St George Cricket Club)
Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club)
Josh Inglis (Perth Scorchers/Joondalup Cricket Club)
Matt Kuhnemann (Brisbane Heat/Clarence Cricket Club)
Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars/Fitzroy Doncaster Cricket Club)
Mitchell Owen (Hobart Hurricanes/New Town Cricket Club)
Matthew Short (Adelaide Strikers/Northcote Cricket Club)
Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars/Scarborough Cricket Club)
Adam Zampa (Melbourne Renegades/Sutherland Cricket Club)