Veteran Sri Lankan pacer and IPL’s highest wicket-taker Lasith Malinga announced his retirement from franchise cricket after Mumbai Indians did not retain him for the upcoming IPL season. The Sri Lankan speedster informed his decision to the Mumbai Indians management earlier this month, making himself unavailable for IPL 2021.
Malinga ends his career with 170 wickets for the franchise between missing only two seasons for the franchise 2018 and 2020. Lasith Malinga is the second-highest wicket-taker in all franchise cricket with 390 wickets from 195 games.
He is only second to West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo who has over 500 wickets in franchise T20 cricket so far. Over the years Malinga has played across various T20 leagues for several franchises. The Sri Lankan speedster has been a part of Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders, and Melbourne Stars.
Lasith Malinga played his last T20 international for Sri Lanka was in March 2020 when he led Sri Lanka against West Indies, and hasn’t played any games during the pandemic.
He addressed a press conference after announcing his retirement from franchise T20 cricket. He said that it was a well thought out decision after discussing the same with his family at length.
“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” said Malinga.
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Lasith Malinga Bids Goodbye To Mumbai Indians
He also thanked the Mumbai Indians family for supporting him through thick and thin over the years during his journey in the IPL. He has been their highest wicket-taker over the 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”.
Mumbai Indians retained 18 players including Chris Lynn who did not get a game for the franchise in the previous IPL season.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Announce Retentions for IPL 2021
