MALINGA'S FUTURE

I don't think I will play international cricket anymore: Lasith Malinga

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Lasith Malinga, who didn't attract any takers in IPL 2018 auction, will be Mumbai Indians' bowling mentor this season. © BCCI

Lasith Malinga acknowledged his time as a player in the Indian Premier League is over and expressed a desire to move on. Malinga has struggled because of several injuries and that has impacted his performances in international cricket. His declining bowling stocks has also coincided with Sri Lanka's dwindling fortunes.

"Mentally, I am over with playing cricket," Malinga told Press Trust of India on Thursday (February 8). "I don't think I will play international cricket anymore. 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."

Malinga has joined Mumbai Indians as their bowling mentor ahead of IPL 2018 after the franchise decided not to retain him ahead of the auctions. The pacer acknowledged he wasn't surprised by the decision.

"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.

"I am 34 years old and not getting any younger. 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."

Malinga's last ODI and T20I was against India in September and he has been overlooked since then by the selectors.

© Cricbuzz

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