Starc to be first major Big Bash absentee

Mitchell Starc will sit out the next BBL season, having last played the T20 competition in 2014-15. (AAP)

Mitchell Starc has become the first Australian star to confirm he won't play in this summer's Big Bash League as negotiations loom on future player availability.

This summer shapes as crucial for the competition out of COVID, with Cricket Australia desperate to have as much top-line talent playing as often as possible.