On Tuesday, September 2, Australia's legendary left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from the T20IS. Even though he will be available for the domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League, he won't take part in the international matches. The announcement came via an official statement from Cricket Australia, which says, "Starc today announced his retirement from international T20s. The 35-year-old, who has not played a T20I since last year’s World Cup in the Caribbean, will remain available for Tests, ODIs and domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League.” Notably, Starc played his last T201 on June 24, 2024, at Gros Islet in St. Lucia against India. He was smacked for 45 runs in his four overs. He still stands out as one of the most respected bowlers in the format in the country. He has 79 T20I wickets to his name, playing 65 matches. For Australia, only Adam Zampa surpasses him, with 130 wickets in 103 matches. Read also: Watch: Kieron Pollard Smashes 7 Sixes in 8 Balls in CPL 2025 Why did Starc retire from T20Is? Mitchell Starc loves playing Test cricket and is gearing up for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. Even though he has no grudges towards the shortest format, he is looking forward to the away Test tour against India, the Ashes, and the World Cup. In a statement, Starc 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. “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.” He further added, "It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament." Read also: 4 Key Milestones Jasprit Bumrah Could Create at Asia Cup 2025 Mitchell Starc should be proud: George Bailey Former Australian skipper, aka the present chief selector of Australia, lauded Starc for his amazing career in the shortest format. He said, “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." He added, “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.”