Lasith Malinga announces retirement from franchise cricket

Lasith Malinga announces retirement from franchise cricket

WhatsApp Image 2020 09 19 at 3.53.10 PM

Lasith Malinga

Sri Lankan bowling ace and a veteran of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Lasith Malinga has announced his retirement from franchise cricket. The announcement comes just hours after the news that his franchise, Mumbai Indians (MI) hadn’t retained him ahead of the auction for the 2021 edition of the tournament.

Malinga is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history and has been a part of the MI franchise for 12 years. He is bound to go down as one of the legends of the game and an icon of the IPL tournament. Speaking about the pacer’s retirement, owner of MI, Akash Ambani said, “Lasith Malinga has been at the core of Mumbai Indians for 12 years. We respect his decision, even though I would have liked to him to be part of our bowling attack for another 5 years.“

“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,” he added.

‘I think now is the right time to retire’ – Malinga

Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga

Speaking about his decision to retire, Lasith Malinga said, “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.”

“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,” he added.

Malinga then signed off after thanking the MI management saying, “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.”

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