Just a day after his appointment as a bowling mentor for IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, Sri Lanka fast blower Lasith Malinga has hinted at his possible retirement from international cricket.
As per the reports in PTI, the 34-year-old speedster stated that he is mentally done with international cricket and it is just a matter of time before he hangs up his boots.
"Mentally I am over with playing cricket. I don't think I will play anymore international cricket. I am planning to announce my retirement soon," Malinga quoted as saying by PTI on the sidelines of the St Moritz Ice Cricket Challenge.
"I have not spoken to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) but once I go back I will have to again go through domestic grind, see how my body responds. But now as my IPL career is also over and I am starting a new chapter with Mumbai Indians, I might not play again," he added.
Widely deemed as one of the best exponents of death overs bowling, Malinga had gone unsold during the recently held IPL auction despite setting a moderate base price of INR 1 crore. Malinga has played an instrumental role in Mumbai Indians’ success over the years. In his 9-year long IPL career, he has scalped 154 wickets in 110 matches with a remarkable economy rate of 6.87.
No wonder, the Yorker King feels it would be tough not to play in front of a jam packed Wankhede crowd donning the blue jersey.
"Everyone gets that signal. Even the great Wasim Akram knew when his time was up. I was not surprised at their decision not to have retained me. I had 10 very good years with Mumbai Indians and I achieved a lot. But this year, the owners spoke to me and told me about their vision going forward. They wanted to create a good team for the next three years. I also understand that my time in competitive cricket is over now," Malinga said.
When asked about the new chapter in his life as a mentor of the defending IPL champions, the Sri Lankan slinger said: "I am 34-years-old and not getting any younger. And I feel this is the right time to make a career move. Mumbai Indians had the mentorship role in mind and I am happy to start a new innings.
"My job as a mentor will now give me an opportunity to guide the next crop of fast bowlers. I will pass on my knowledge to them and also it will be an opportunity to assess myself in the coaching arena," he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
