Mitchell Starc returns to Sydney Sixers for BBL 2025-26 after 11 years. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is set to make his long-awaited comeback to the Big Bash League (BBL), after 11 years, signing with the Sydney Sixers for the 2025-26 season. However, Mitchell Starc has made it clear that any changes to the tournament schedule should not come at the cost of Test cricket.
The left-arm quick will join the Sixers for the latter half of the competition in January, following the conclusion of the Ashes 2025-26 series on January 8.
Mitchell Starc last featured in the BBL during its inaugural season in 2011-12, playing six matches for the Sixers and appearing in four more across the next three editions up to 2014-15. Since then, he has focused primarily on representing Australia in international cricket.
Having retired from T20 internationals earlier this year, Mitchell Starc will now be free of national team commitments post-Ashes, making him available for BBL fixtures on January 11, 16, and 18, as well as the finals if the Sixers progress. His participation will, however, depend on his physical condition following the demanding five-match Test series against England.
Mitchell Starc Prioritises Test Cricket Despite BBL Return
“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage. An opportunity to play some BBL cricket — I’ve obviously been a small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role,” Mitchell Starc said.
“Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on first and foremost. But post that, it’s my intention to be available to play some part if called upon,” he added.
The veteran pacer also emphasized that the Test schedule should remain untouched by franchise leagues.
“I’m fine with BBL windows. The only view I have on it is that the Test cricket schedule is not to be touched. Test cricket is the pinnacle. I don’t think Test cricket should make way for T20 cricket at all. Whether it’s the BBL, the IPL, anything — the Test summer is the Test summer. I would hate to see that change for domestic cricket,” he said.
The Big Bash League 2025-26 will run from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026. The Ashes 2025-26 begins on November 21 in Perth and concludes on January 8 in Sydney. Before that, Mitchell Starc is gearing up for Australia’s upcoming three-match ODI series against India, scheduled from October 19 to 25.