Canberra, Sept. 2 -- Australia's one of the most prolific quicks, Mitchell Starc, announced his retirement from the T20I format months before the format's next edition, the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026, to focus on Tests and ODIs.

Starc, on Tuesday, left the world of cricket in shock with his surprise decision to retire from the shortest format of cricket, a decision that stems from his decision to prolong his career and keep his hope alive of defending Australia's crown in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Since bursting onto the scene in September 2012, Starc has spearheaded Australia's bowling attack with his scorching pace.

The 35-year-old left-armer didn't make a single T20I appearance in the shortest format of cricket sin...