Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is ready to return to the Big Bash League (BBL) after 11 years, joining his previous side, the Sydney Sixers, for the 2025-26 season. The new season of the BBL will take place from December 14 to January 25, and Starc will be fit for selection once the Ashes series ends on January 8, if so. Starc Makes BBL Comeback After a Decade Always a pleasure, Starcy 🩷 Australia's opening bowler has re-signed with the @SixersBBL for #BBL15. pic.twitter.com/FbgaYvVkSY — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) October 8, 2025 The left-arm speedster return comes as a huge surprise for Sixers fans, especially after the pacer announced his T20I retirement earlier this year. The veteran pacer has been signed as a supplementary player, which allows Cricket Australia-contracted players with limited availability to participate without occupying a main squad position. Starc last played for the Sixers during the 2014 season and has taken 20 wickets in 10 BBL matches. His speed and accuracy were major contributors to the Sixers' early success, including their championship victory in the first BBL season as well as their Champions League championship in 2012, when Starc topped the tournament's wicket-taking list. Thrilled to be back, Starc stated: "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. 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." Also Read | Ashwin in Talks with Cricket Australia, May Play BBL 2026 Sixers Strengthens Side for 15th Edition of BBL Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes was thrilled to bring Starc back. "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,” Haynes said. “Even when not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club and we look forward to that leadership playing a major role on and off the field in BBL|15." With the inclusion of Starc, the Sixers have strengthened an already powerful lineup that boasts Babar Azam, Sam Curran, Sean Abbott, Steve Smith, and Moises Henriques. Sydney Sixers team 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 support player: Mitchell Starc The return of Starc signals a new era for the Sixers and the BBL, as one of the world's best pace bowlers will thrill fans once more in Australia's leading T20 competition.