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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In era marked by conflict, Gandhi's principle of non-violence offers way forward: Vice Prez
Motihari (PTI): Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday said in an era marked by conflict, division, and intolerance, Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence offers a powerful way forward for humanity.
Addressing the third convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in East Champaran district, Radhakrishnan asserted that fields such as AI and data science are opening new avenues for growth and innovation, as he urged the youth to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility.
"We all know that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in Bihar, and Gandhi found his true 'karma boomi' in this very land of Champaran," he said.
Radhakrishnan said, be it Buddhism, Jainism, or the idea of socialist revolution, everything took shape here.
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"Bihar has produced visionaries like Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who shaped the moral and political conscience of India. I myself, as an 18 or 19 years old, had a deep association with the JP movement in 1974 as the district general secretary of Coimbatore," he said.
The vice president remembered the contributions of Karpoori Thakur, first president Rajendra Prasad and philanthropist Maharani Janki Kunwar in uplifting India's socio-political status.
Congratulating the graduating students, he urged them to embrace nationalism and play their roles in "building a healthy and resilient society that never accepts non-ethical things".
"As you receive your degrees today, you are expected to serve as torchbearers of India's rich legacy. May you carry forward the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and contribute to the realisation of a strong, prosperous, and well-developed India," he said.
The vice president advised students to use technology for personal growth and to empower society.
"Fields such as artificial intelligence and data science are redefining the possibilities and opening new avenues for growth and innovation. I encourage you to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility," he said.
Radhakrishnan said specialised research opportunities provided by the varsity demonstrate its commitment to reviving and promoting India's traditional intellectual heritage.
"I am also informed that the university actively maintains a culture of sports and fitness as part of the Fit India movement. It has established a vision to provide world-class education and build proper talent," he said.
Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary were among those present at the function.
