The long association of 12 years between Lasith Malinga and Mumbai Indians (MI) has finally come to an end as the champion Sri Lankan fast bowler has decided to retire from franchise cricket. 37-year-old Malinga featured in 122 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for MI and took 170 wickets - most for any bowler in the history of the tournament.
Mumbai Indians in a release on their official Twitter account, announced the decision of the veteran fast bowler on the day they also revealed their list of players retained and released for the upcoming IPL 2021 in April. Malinga was among the seven players who were let go by the franchise.
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Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, 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.”
Malinga had pulled out of the 2020 edition due to personal reasons and last featured for the franchise in 2019 when he took the last wicket against Chennai Super Kings to help MI win their fourth title by 1 run. They went on to defend their title successfully in Malinga's absence in United Arab Emirates last year.
On his decision, 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.
“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.” he signed off.
