The Melbourne Stars will have a new captain next summer after veteran fast bowler John Hastings opted to join the Sydney Sixers.

Peter Handscomb, the captain of Victoria, shapes as a likely replacement for Hastings, who has returned home and will link with former Victorian mentor Greg Shipperd.

Handscomb is off contract with the Stars but is expected to return.

John Hastings is headed north to Sydney Sixers. Credit:AAP

Hastings, a Stars foundation player, featured in every match last season, claiming a team-high 10 wickets in a disappointing year for the team, whose three-year blueprint for a title ended with the team finishing last.