The decision was made following complaints from frontman Roger Daltrey that Starkey was "overplaying" at the band’s Royal Albert Hall gig on March 30.
Starkey, son of The Beatles' Ringo Starr, had been The Who's full-time drummer since 1996.
Starkey appeared to anticipate his dismissal, posting on social media on April 13 that Daltrey was “unhappy” with his playing and was “literally going to Zak the drummer”.
The news follows speculation about Starkey joining a potential Oasis reunion. He played on that band’s albums Don't Believe The Truth and Dig Out Your Soul.