Sri Lankan and former Mumbai Indians cricketer Lasith Malinga, who is considered to be one of the greatest death bowlers in the world in men's cricket, has announced his retirement from T20 cricket, the last format he was still playing in.

Over the course of his career, Malinga took a total of 546 wickets across all formats for Sri Lanka. The bowler had already retired from Test cricket in 2011 and subsequently from ODIs in 2019. He announced his retirement via his new YouTube channel. "Today is a very special day for me. I want to thank each one of you who have supported me throughout my T20 career. Today I have decided to give 100 per cent rest to my T20 bowling shoes," he said

Malinga further added, "I want to thank Sri Lanka cricket board, Mumbai Indians, Melbourne Stars, Kent Cricket Club, Rangpur Riders, Guyana Warriors, Maratha Warriors and Montreal Tigers. I now want to share my experience with young cricketers who want to play franchise cricket and for their national team. While my shoes rest, my love for the game will never ask for rest. Looking forward to seeing our youngsters make history."

Malinga ends his career with 390 wickets in T20 cricket, the fourth-highest among all bowlers. He also took 170 wickets in the Indian Premier League, the most by any bowler. Cricketers from across the world, including his Sri Lankan and Mumbai Indians teammates, offered their best wishes to the bowling great.

MI captain Rohit Sharma wrote, "Mali, you have been a champion cricketer. Well done on your wonderful career. Best wishes ahead @ninety9sl," while Jasprit Bumrah wrote, "Congratulations on an illustrious career, Mali and all the very best for everything the future holds. It was a pleasure playing alongside you."

Malinga's Sri Lankan teammate Kumar Sangakkara said, "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!!!" Mahela Jayawardena tweeted, "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!!"