Mentally done with cricket: Malinga

9 February 2018 11:15 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Lasith Malinga, the veteran Sri Lankan pacer, on Thursday (February 8) dropped elaborate hints about his retirement plans, saying he was mentally done with international cricket.

Malinga, who went unsold in the 2018 Indian Premier League auction, was on Wedesday roped in by Mumbai Indians, his former franchise, as their bowling mentor. The IPL’s highest wicket-taker with 157 scalps, Malinga was bought by Mumbai in 2009 and went on to win three titles with them.

“Mentally, I am over with playing cricket,” Malinga told Press Trust of India on the sidelines of the St Moritz Ice Cricket Challenge. “I don’t think I will play any more international cricket. I am planning to announce my retirement soon.

“I have not spoken to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) but once I go back, I will have to again go through the 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.”

The Sri Lankan slinger said he was not surprised that Mumbai didn’t retain him for the 11th edition of the IPL as his days of competitive cricket were behind him. “Everyone gets that signal. Even the great Wasim Akram knew when his time was up,” he said.

“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, who has not represented Sri Lanka since September 2017, has 338 wickets in 248 Twenty20 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the format. He felt this was the right time for him to make a career move. “I am 34 years old and not getting any younger,” Malinga pointed out.

“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.” (wisdenindia)

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Comments - 12

ANTON Friday, 09 February 2018 11:36 AM

I STILL REMEMBER WHAT HE SAID IN HIS VERY FIRST CRICKET INTERVIEW....... " WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD ? " ........... " ROAST PAAN, MASALA VADEY AND PAIN TEA"

Sanju Friday, 09 February 2018 11:55 AM

Yay ! My favourite food too !

De Silva Friday, 09 February 2018 11:38 AM

Results of your mouth

Arthur Friday, 09 February 2018 12:03 PM

Certainly not. Only the result of aging.

Sahan Friday, 09 February 2018 12:05 PM

You are so perfect De Silva!!!!Wonder you've done anything to the country!!Let alone to your neighbor!!

Niz Friday, 09 February 2018 01:39 PM

I hope he at least get the chance of playing few more matches and and get another 8 wkts.

Man Friday, 09 February 2018 01:56 PM

Is there anybody to beg to abandon his wish to retire? That is only left of his latest gimmick, away from the cricket field.

Dam Friday, 09 February 2018 02:08 PM

Not acceptable to treat him in this manner and to keep him in the dark. He entertained millions of Sri Lanka and in the world. And he is a LEGEND too

ransam Friday, 09 February 2018 02:26 PM

Wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You have brought so many happy moments as well as heart breaks. Sad that people always question your commitment considering that your are the best oneday and T20 bowler Sri Lanka has produced as well as on of the all time greats.

TONY Friday, 09 February 2018 07:24 PM

34 YEARS IS NOT OLD TO RETIRE FROM CRICKET. THE PROBLEM WITH YOU WAS YOUR MENTALITY AFTER YOU BECAME A HERO UNLIKE THE LIKES OF SANATH, KUMAR OR MAHELA.

ransam Friday, 09 February 2018 10:04 PM

For a batsman yes, 34 many not be retirement age. But it is difficult to come back every time for a fast bowlers who has under gone several career threatening injuries. Another example is Steyn

Sincere Friday, 09 February 2018 09:45 PM

Malinga, You can have a res-start pal. You are needed by Sri Lanka cricket. We ask you to forget the past and play cricket again for the nation. Put the country before your own retirement plans.

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Mentally done with cricket: Malinga

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