Lasith Malinga retires from franchise cricket ahead of IPL 2021; ends his career for Mumbai Indians

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has announced his retirement from franchise cricket and won’t be a part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier, the 37-year-old speedster didn’t take part in the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) where he was set to play for the eventual runners-up Galle Gladiators.

After his decision to retire, MI released him after he stayed with them for 11 seasons from 2009. Malinga didn’t play in the previous IPL edition in the UAE, but he remains as the all-time leading wicket-taker in the history of the event with 170 scalps from 122 matches. Malinga last played any form of cricket back in March 2020 during the home series against West Indies.

Lasith Malinga expresses gratitude

Before parting ways with the IPL franchise, Malinga had a chat with the team management. He also expressed gratitude to the entire MI family, along with head coach Mahela Jayawardene, also his former national teammate.

“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,” Malinga said.

“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, Akash, and the MI family all the best for the upcoming season,” he stated.

MI also accepted Malinga’s decision with open arms. “Mumbai Indians management respects Lasith Malinga’s decision and hence he is not part of the club’s 18-member retention squad announced today,” the franchise was quoted as saying in a statement.

On Wednesday, January 20, MI put forth the list of retained and released players. Apart from Malinga, MI have also released Sherfane Rutherford, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Prince Balwant Rai, and Digvijay Deshmukh. MI remains as the most successful IPL team with five titles in the last eight seasons.