One of the legends of the Indian Premier League, Lasith Malinga has hung up his boots from franchise cricket, according to Mumbai Indians.
The Sri Lankan speedster informed Mumbai Indians management of his decision earlier this month, making himself unavailable for the upcoming season and so wasn’t retained in the squad for the 2021 season.
Akash Ambani, Owner, Mumbai Indians said to Mumbai Indians website “Lasith Malinga has been at the core of Mumbai Indians for 12 years. We respect his decision, even though I would have liked him to be part of our bowling attack for another 5 years”
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“Malinga is an MI legend. His contributions to Mumbai Indians’ journey are invaluable. We will miss the Wankhede chant for him, but he will always be in the heart of all MI fans. At Mumbai Indians, Malinga will always be a part of the MI family and we hope we can continue to lean on his experience in a non-playing capacity in the future.”
The veteran pacer has been part of the Mumbai Indians franchise since 2009 and was never traded. He repaid that faith by becoming the highest wicket taker in IPL history with 170 wickets while contributing to 4 IPL championship winning teams plus a championship in the Champions T20 League in 2011.
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Fittingly, the last delivery of his IPL career won the 2019 IPL final for the Mumbai Indians; their 4th title.
Lasith Malinga’s IPL career in summary
530 – Most overs bowled by a pacer for a team
195 – Wickets for Mumbai Indians
170 – Highest wicket-taker in IPL
9 x Most 4+ wicket hauls for a team
9 – 2nd most maiden overs bowled for a team
6 x Player of the Match awards in IPL
4 x In top 3 wicket-takers list in an IPL season
4 x IPL champion
1 x CLT20 Champion
On his decision, Lasith Malinga said to Mumbai Indians website: “After discussing with family, I think now is the right time to retire from all franchise cricket. The Pandemic situation and the restrictions on travel will make it difficult for me given my personal circumstances to participate fully in franchise cricket for the next year and therefore it is best to make this decision now.”
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“I have discussed the same with Mumbai Indians management in recent days as they prepare for the upcoming auction and they have been very supportive and understanding. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ambani family, everyone at the Mumbai Indians franchise and all our fans for the wonderful 12 years.”
“Mumbai Indians has treated me like family, supporting me 100 % in every situation both on and off the field, and always giving me the confidence and the freedom to play my natural game whenever I walked onto the field.
“I have collected so many happy memories that I cherish and I am very grateful to have played for so long for the best franchise in world cricket. I would like to wish Mrs Nita Ambani, coach Mahela (Jayawardene), Akash (Ambani) and the MI family all the best for the upcoming season.”
Malinga has also been a part of many other franchises all over the globe such as Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders and Melbourne Stars. During his T20 career, Malinga has picked 390 wickets in 295 matches and he is only behind Dwayne Bravo in the list of leading T20 wicket-takers.
Malinga has retired from Test and ODI format for Sri Lanka already and his last T20I appearance came in March 2020, when he led Sri Lanka against West Indies; he hasn’t played any games since.
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