Australian speed demon Mitchell Starc officially returns to the Big Bash League (BBL) for its 14th season, reuniting with its 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.
Mitchell Starc would rejoin his first BBL franchise
Starc last played for the Sydney Sixers in 2014 but his bond with the club runs deep. He was instrumental in helping the Sixers win their first BBL title in 2011-12 and the Champions League T20 that followed. His comeback is expected to significantly strengthen the Sixers’ bowling attack and bring new excitement to the tournament.
The Sixers general manager Rachel Haynes expressed his delight at the signing and said: “Mitch’s batting prowess with both the new and old ball is second to none, and we hope he will play a vital role in our push to the final.”
Starc’s T20I retirement opens the door for his domestic comeback
Starc’s return comes shortly after he retired from T20 internationals, allowing him to focus on Test cricket while clearing his schedule for domestic competitions. The move opens up a long-awaited opportunity for the left-arm pacer to rejoin the BBL, a league he has only featured in briefly despite his global T20 stardom.
Starc will join the Sixers after the Ashes series, which ends on January 8, 2026, with his participation subject to his fitness. Under the BBL’s supplementary player policy, he is expected to play in the latter stages of the season, including the play-offs, where his experience could be decisive.
The Sixers have already assembled a powerful team Steve Smith, Babar Azam And Sam Curranmaking them one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming season. The addition of Starc brings both depth and leadership to their bowling unit, potentially giving them an edge at crucial times.
Reflecting on his return, Starc said: “I can’t wait to put on the magenta shirt of the Sixers again. This club is close to my heart and my goal is to bring home another trophy for our passionate fans.”
Also READ: 3 reasons why withdrawing Mitchell Starc from T20Is is a good move
BBL|15 starts on December 14
The The 2025-2026 BBL season starts on December 14 and will continue until January 25, 2026. With Starc’s comeback, the Sixers will not only gain a world-class bowler, but also a crowd-pleaser whose presence promises to reinvigorate the fans’ enthusiasm and increase viewership for the tournament.
As Starc prepares to revive the BBL after 11 years, his reunion with the Sixers symbolizes both nostalgia and new beginnings. He offers fans the perfect mix of experience, passion and power in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
Also READ: Mitchell Starc returns to ODIs as Australia names white-ball squads for India series
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