Excluded from Mumbai, Malinga retired from franchise cricket

Sports Desk: Wednesday (January 20) was the last day to submit the list of retained and released players before the upcoming IPL auction. Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in the tournament, have dropped seven players from their squad, including star pacer Lasith Malinga.

The Sri Lankan pacer decided to retire from franchise cricket just hours after the list was released. Mumbai Indians authorities have also announced the release of Malinga from the franchise cricket. Malinga has played for Mumbai since the second edition of the IPL. Malinga is still the highest wicket taker in IPL history. He has played in 10 of the 13 editions of the tournament.

He played 122 matches and took 160 wickets. He has won four IPL titles for Mumbai. He also worked as the team's bowling mentor in 2016. Apart from Mumbai Indians, Malinga's other notable teams in franchise cricket are Jamaica Tallawas in the Caribbean Premier League, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Khulna Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League, Rangpur Raiders, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash T20. Malinga has taken 390 wickets in 295 matches in domestic and international T20s. Only Dwayne Bravo of the West Indies has more wickets than him.

Malinga last played a match in March last year. He also captained the side in the T20 match against the West Indies. Commenting on his decision to retire, Malinga said, "After discussing it with my family, I thought it was time to retire from franchise cricket. Due to the epidemic situation and travel restrictions, it is difficult for me to play franchise cricket next season. So now is a good time to make a decision. ' He added, ‘I have also spoken to the Mumbai Indians authorities about this. They understood me and supported me. Thanks to everyone associated with the Mumbai Indians franchise and to the fans for having a great 12 years. '