Breaking News: Lasith Malinga Retires From Franchise Cricket After Being Released By Mumbai Indians (MI) Ahead Of The IPL 2021 Auction

In a massive turn of events, veteran Sri Lankan pacer, Lasith Malinga has retired from franchise cricket after Mumbai Indians (MI), his IPL franchise, decided to release him ahead of the IPL 2021 auction. Malinga was among the top players to be released from the franchises ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021).

Malinga refused to participate in IPL 2020 as he decided to withdraw from the tournament, citing personal reasons. On Wednesday, Mumbai Indians went against retaining him in the IPL 2021 auction. He has now announced his retirement from all forms of franchise cricket. Malinga has already hung his boots in the ODI and Test format in the international circuit.

Lasith Malinga Retires From All Forms Of Franchise Cricket

On Wednesday, Mumbai Indians revealed that Malinga has decided to call it quits on his franchise cricket career. Mumbai Indians stated in a press release, “Lasith Malinga has decided to retire from franchise cricket. The Sri Lankan speedster informed his decision to the Mumbai Indians management earlier this month, making himself unavailable for the champion side’s retention wish list.”

“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 statement further read.

Lasith Malinga Is IPL’s All-Time Leading Wicket-Taker

Malinga is the most successful bowler as far as the history of the Indian Premier League is concerned. He has played a total of 122 games in the cash-rich league so far and gone on to clinch 170 wickets, which is the most by any bowler in the tournament. He has 6 four-wicket halls and a five-wicket hall to his name in the IPL.

Malinga has been among the very few players who have gone on to represent a single franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League. Ever since the inception of the tournament in 2008, Malinga has been associated with the Mumbai Indians franchise and he has now ended his franchise cricket career at Mumbai itself.