One of the greatest death bowlers the sport has ever seen decided to 'hang his T20I shoes' as the most successful T20I bowler with 107 wickets. Malinga called time to his career with 546 wickets across formats.
Malinga was the captain and kingpin amongst Sri Lanka's pantheon that lifted the 2014 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He ends his career as the most prolific T20I bowler for Sri Lanka in the T20WCs and second overall. He has also taken the third most wickets in the ODI World Cups - 56.
His former captain and teammate, Kumar Sangakkara was the first to congratulate him alongside Mahela Jayawardene on his illustrious career.
Sangakkara speaks on Lasith Malinga's retirement
Congrats on an awesome career. Your contribution to Sri Lanka and world cricket will stand for all time. Been such a pleasure playing with you. All the very best in what you decide to do from now. So much knowledge to give. Legend !!! https://t.co/iuvu3pI9ip
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) September 14, 2021
Time I first faced you in the Galle nets as a 18 year old net bowler to the Curly coloured hair icon you have left us with amazing memories!! Fantastic team mate.. wishing you all the very best my friend and thank you!! https://t.co/IV7HiZLh0i
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 14, 2021
“There has never been a bowler like him, and there never will be."
— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) September 14, 2021
Happy Retirement Slinger…
@ninety9sl pic.twitter.com/27Q9jZA4NJ
Lasith Malinga, the king of yorkers
Congratulations malli…. On a distinguished career! Wishing you the very best for your future endeavours. God bless 👏🏼👏🏼
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) September 14, 2021
Peththa 💪🏾💪🏾. How unique .. what a star .. one of a kind on and off the field .. Great memories . Well done on an amazing career and wish you well in retirement @ninety9sl pic.twitter.com/6MVzhiPl5D
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) September 14, 2021
Thank you very much legend @malinga_ninety9 for your service to @officialslc , you were great servant for Sri Lanka cricket for many years, can’t forget your deadly Yorkers and the spells which you bowled. pic.twitter.com/vsjdPTPjad
— Dhammika Prasad (@imDhammika) September 14, 2021