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Sri Lanka pace ace Lasith Malinga, who terrorised the world’s best batsmen with his toe-crushing yorkers delivered from a low and sling-arm action, on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 38-year-old, who was captain of Sri Lanka”s 2014 T20 World Cup winning team, posted a message on his social media account announcing his decision.
“Hanging up my T20 shoes and retiring from all forms of cricket! Thankful to all those who supported me in my journey, and looking forward to sharing my experience with young cricketers in the years to come,” Malinga tweeted.
Hanging up my #T20 shoes and #retiring from all forms of cricket! Thankful to all those who supported me in my journey, and looking forward to sharing my experience with young cricketers in the years to come.https://t.co/JgGWhETRwm #LasithMalinga #Ninety9
— Lasith Malinga (@ninety9sl) September 14, 2021
Malinga had retired from Test and ODI cricket in January this year but was yet to call it quits from T20 internationals.
Last year, he had expressed his desire to lead Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup, which was originally scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November 2020 but will be held next month after a COVID-forced postponement.
“I am looking forward to help youngsters and guide them in the coming years,” he said as he thanked his national team and all the franchises that he has played for, including IPL team Mumbai Indians.
“I want to give 100 per cent rest to my T20 shoes. While my shoes will rest, my love for the game will never ask for rest,” a smiling Malinga added in the video. Malinga, who has played a staggering 122 IPL matches, has 170 wickets to his credit, the highest in the cash-rich league, with the best bowling figures of 5/13.
He picked up 107 wickets in 84 T20 Internationals, 338 scalps in 226 ODIs and 101 wickets in 30 Tests.
Soon tributes flowed on Twitter for Malinga lauding his acheivements
Kumar Sangakkara , Former Sri Lanka Skipper
Congrats on an awesome career. Your contribution to Sri Lanka and world cricket will stand for all time. Been such a pleasure playing with you. All the very best in what you decide to do from now. So much knowledge to give. Legend !!! https://t.co/iuvu3pI9ip
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) September 14, 2021
Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians Skipper
Mali, you have been a champion cricketer. Well done on your wonderful career. Best wishes ahead @ninety9sl https://t.co/fDGOg1ZBT7
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) September 14, 2021
Jasprit Bumrah
Congratulations on an illustrious career, Mali and all the very best for everything the future holds. It was a pleasure playing alongside you. https://t.co/8dkjndMgQ2
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) September 14, 2021
