Australia's Megan Schutt set to retire from ICC events after 2026 T20 World Cup

Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt has announced that the 2026 T20 World Cup in England & Wales would be her final major tournament for the national team.

The 33-year-old made her debut in 2012 and has been a cornerstone of the Aussies’ continued dominance in the women’s game. She has over 300 wickets in international cricket.

Schutt stated that semifinal exits in the last two tournaments have hurt despite the considerable success previously. Australia were beaten in the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 ODI World Cup by South Africa and India, respectively.

"I'm competitive in everything I do, which is a good and a bad thing, the last two have stung and, after being part of a lot of success, it stings even more. But then you think of the kids that haven't won a World Cup; it's a good reminder I've been lucky and want to restart that with the next generation,” Schutt told Australian media.

Schutt is the highest-wicket taker in women’s T20 World Cup history with 48 scalps in 29 games at an economy of 5.65. She has established a reputation of being a threat with the new ball, with a dangerous in-swinger.

She stated that given the frequency of ICC tournaments, she had to take a decision on her career, and despite being able to keep up with the physical demands of the game, she wants to free up space for the younger players coming up. 

"I'm not much of a planner; I like to go with the flow. But with how often World Cups are, and everything in between, there's always a carrot that gets dangled and eventually you have to make a decision,” Schutt added.

"I don't see myself getting to another ICC tournament, that's for sure. I've had my time and it's about letting that next generation take over. I don't want to be that person that stays longer than I should and drag the team down without realising. I like to think I'm pretty self aware; I can physically keep up but there are people coming through capable of doing what I do," she said

Australia start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 13 against South Africa at Old Trafford. The 20-year-old left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton has been named in the squad after impressing on debuts in all three formats earlier in the year.