Lasith Malinga, who has a claim to being men’s cricket’s greatest T20 bowler, has officially called time on the last format he had not retired in.
It was always likely Malinga’s playing career was over after he stopped being picked for the Sri Lanka side, while he also withdrew from several franchise tournaments, including the IPL. But if fans had held out hope for a farewell T20, that is no longer an option.
Malinga announced his decision via his new Youtube channel, in which he had been analysing Sri Lanka’s limited-overs performances over the past few weeks.
“Today I decided I want to give 100% rest to my T20 bowling shoes,” he said. “I want to thank each and every one who supported me and blessed me throughout my T20 journey.”
Malinga went on to thank the officials and teammates of all the major teams he has been a part of, from the Sri Lanka national side, to Mumbai Indians, Melbourne Stars, and various other sides from around the world.
Recognised almost as much for his blonde-tipped curls, as his unique round-arm action, Malinga claimed 107 T20 international wickets, and maintained an economy rate of 7.42 across 83 bowling innings. He was among the format’s primary innovators in its early years.—Agencies
