Selectors urged the fast-bowler to play the entire series against Bangladesh but their request was denied
22 July, 2019
PHOTO: AFP
Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling great Lasith Malinga, through a video message, on twitter revealed that he will be announcing his retirement from one-day international (ODI) cricket after the first ODI against Bangladesh on July 26.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to host Bangladesh in three ODI’s. Selectors urged the old warhorse to play the entire series but their request was denied by Malinga.
The fast-bowler revealed that he had made the decision during the World Cup and was adamant in his resolve.
Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne revealed that Malinga had conveyed this message to the captain earlier.
“Malinga told to me that he is going to retire after the first ODI. Although I do not know what he has spoken to board and the selectors,” said Karunaratne at a press conference in Colombo on Monday ahead of the series.
The fast-bowler has been the backbone of the Sri Lanka team for a long time. He has taken 335 wickets in 219 innings throughout his career. The old warhorse is only behind the legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralidaran (523) and pacer Chaminda Vaas (399) in terms of wickets.
