Star Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals with immediate effect.
The speedgun announced the decision to prioritise Australia’s heavy Test schedule from late next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Starc represented Australia in 65 T20 internationals and was also part of the winning team of T20 World Cup 2021. Currently he is Australia’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker.
Announcing the decision the 35-year-old said “Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way”.
Starc is known for his ability to deliver shoe breaking yorkers in specially in crunch moments, Starc played a important role in strengthening Australia’s bowling attack across all formats.
Earlier in a separate development, Pakistani star batter Asif Ali announced his retirement from international cricket, sharing the news in a heartfelt social media post.
“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter,” he wrote.
He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during his career, saying, “To my fans, teammates, and coaches, thank you for your love, belief, and support through every high and low. To my family and friends, who stood with me in moments of joy and in the deepest of trials, including the loss of my beloved daughter during the World Cup, your strength carried me forward.”
Asif added that he plans to continue playing domestic and league cricket around the world. “I retire with immense gratitude, and InshaAllah will continue to share my passion for the game by playing domestic and league cricket worldwide. Pakistan Zindabad,” he said.
Asif Ali is known for his powerful hitting and ability to finish matches.
One of his most famous innings came in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup against Afghanistan. He scored 25 not out off seven balls, including four sixes in a single over, to give Pakistan a memorable win.
He scored 27 off 12 balls with three big sixes against New Zealand, helping Pakistan secure another key victory in the same tournament.
During his career, he appeared in 21 ODIs, scoring 382 runs at an average of 25, and 58 T20Is, scoring 577 runs at an average of 15. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a memorable player in Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket.
