Australia's legendary fast bowler Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is
Sydney: Australia’s white-ball pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals, just months ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
The 35-year-old left-arm quick, widely regarded as one of the most lethal white-ball bowlers of his generation, made the decision to prolong his international career in Test and One Day International formats.
In a statement released by Cricket Australia on Tuesday, Starc reaffirmed his commitment to the longer formats of the game. “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," he said.
"Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament," Starc added.
Starc bows out of T20Is as Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, claiming 79 wickets in 65 matches. Only leg-spinner Adam Zampa, with a higher tally, sits above him on the national list.
National selector George Bailey paid tribute to Starc’s impact in the shortest format. "Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and, as across all his cricket, had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability," Bailey said.
"We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible," he added.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
